What to expect from shockwave therapy for golfer's elbow

The clinician locates the tender tendon near the inside of the elbow and applies gel before moving a handheld device across the area. You may feel rhythmic tapping, pressure, or a sharp sensation as pulses are delivered. Intensity can be changed to keep the session tolerable. Golfer's elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, involves irritation or degeneration of a tendon linked to the forearm muscles; shockwave therapy is intended to support tissue recovery rather than numb the arm permanently.

Wear a loose sleeve and explain your usual gripping, lifting, or racquet activities. Mention blood-thinning medicine, bleeding disorders, reduced sensation, or a recent steroid injection. The elbow may feel tender or bruised after treatment. Use the activity limits given by your clinician, avoid forceful gripping for the advised period, and continue gentle mobility and strengthening when instructed. Do not judge the result from the first session alone; symptoms may change gradually as loading is rebuilt.

Tell the clinic about worsening pain that does not settle, marked swelling, spreading redness, or unusual bruising. Seek urgent help for new hand weakness, persistent numbness, a cold or pale hand, fever, or an injury followed by loss of elbow movement. Those signs may indicate a problem needing examination beyond a typical treatment response.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, which activities to pause, when strengthening should start, and how tendon progress will be measured. Ask what to do if pain remains during gripping and which other treatments could be considered.