How long does physiotherapy take to work for golfer's elbow?

Golfer's elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, causes pain around the inner elbow when the forearm muscles and their tendon are loaded. Physiotherapy may use activity modification, wrist and forearm exercises, grip retraining and progressive strengthening. Early progress can mean less pain while opening a jar or lifting a light object. The final stage is returning to repeated gripping, throwing or racquet work without a next-day flare.

Reduce repeated gripping, heavy lifting and wrist-bending tasks temporarily, then reintroduce them in measured steps. Do the prescribed strengthening consistently and note how the elbow responds later that day and the next morning. Check tool handles, technique and breaks if work is contributing. Do not use pain relief to push suddenly through a large workload. Read about [Golfer's Elbow](/conditions/golfers-elbow/) and [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Book a review if symptoms are worsening, grip strength is falling, or pain is not changing after the agreed rehabilitation trial. Seek prompt assessment after a significant injury or if the elbow is hot, swollen or difficult to move. Numbness or tingling into the ring or little finger, marked weakness, or loss of hand coordination also needs clinical evaluation because a nerve problem may be involved.

Which gripping tasks should I modify first? How much discomfort is acceptable during strengthening? When should I progress resistance? Could my neck or an elbow nerve be contributing? What work or sport test should I pass before returning fully?