Golfer’s Elbow Treatment Using LLLT/PBMT
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), uses red and near-infrared light applied over targeted areas. In our clinic it is used as part of a GP-led treatment approach for selected musculoskeletal pain and injury presentations, including golfer’s elbow, medial epicondylitis and elbow tendonitis/tendinopathy.
PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. Suitability and response vary, and treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, severity, duration of symptoms and individual clinical factors. PBMT/LLLT has been studied for a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. See our references page for supporting literature.
Gentle. Drug-Free. Evidence-Informed.
Key Points
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) involves degeneration or irritation of the tendons on the inner elbow due to repetitive wrist flexion and gripping, and is not limited to golfers.
- Typical symptoms include inner elbow pain, forearm tenderness, stiffness, and weakness, often aggravated by lifting, twisting, gripping, or using tools.
- It is caused by overuse, especially in activities involving repeated wrist and finger flexion, and can affect golfers, gardeners, carpenters, manual workers and computer users.
- Conventional treatments such as rest, ice, painkillers or cortisone injections may offer temporary symptom relief for some people, but are not suitable or effective for everyone.
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), or Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is considered for selected golfer’s elbow presentations where tendon irritation, pain or local inflammatory processes are contributing to symptoms.
- LLLT may be particularly relevant where pain limits rehabilitation or exercise, or where other treatments such as cortisone or PRP injections have provided only temporary or partial relief.
- Some commonly used approaches, such as medication, injections, repeated loading, bracing, stretching or manual pressure, may not be suitable for every stage of recovery. We provide advice based on the diagnosis, symptom severity and clinical assessment.
- Treatment is delivered under the medical supervision of Dr Shikha Parmar as part of a structured six-week program tailored to each patient’s condition.
- PBMT/LLLT has been studied in a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions and is generally well tolerated. Individual responses vary, and outcomes depend on the condition being treated and the stage of recovery.
- LLLT can be considered for people with persistent or recurrent golfer’s elbow who have not improved with usual conservative care, after appropriate medical assessment.
What is Golfer’s Elbow ?
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition affecting the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow (the medial epicondyle). It arises from repetitive strain or overuse of the wrist flexor and forearm pronator muscles, leading to microtears, inflammation, or even degenerative changes in the tendon over time.
Despite its name, this condition isn’t limited to golfers. It can affect anyone whose work or activities involve repeated gripping, lifting, wrist flexion, or forearm rotation. The underlying issue is often not acute inflammation, but rather tendinopathy, a chronic degenerative response of the tendon tissue due to cumulative overload.
Causes and Risk Factors
Golfer’s elbow is caused by repetitive stress on the forearm muscles that flex the wrist and rotate the forearm. Contributing factors include:
- Repetitive gripping or wrist flexion (e.g. using tools, lifting, typing)
- Poor technique in sports or sudden increase in activity
- Prolonged or forceful manual tasks
It’s especially common in people aged 35 to 55, though it can affect individuals of any age. Activities and occupations that increase risk include:
- Golf (especially incorrect swing mechanics)
- Gardening, painting, or carpentry
- Racquet sports or weightlifting
- Trades involving frequent use of hand tools
- Repetitive computer mouse or keyboard use
A lack of proper conditioning, poor ergonomics, and inadequate recovery between activities can also contribute to the development of this condition.
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the inner (medial) side of the elbow
- Discomfort that may radiate into the inner forearm
- Worsening pain with gripping, wrist flexion, or forearm rotation
- Weak grip strength
- Stiffness or aching, particularly in the morning or after activity
- Pain during everyday tasks such as lifting a kettle or cup, turning a doorknob, shaking hands, swinging a golf club, or throwing a ball
Symptoms often build gradually and may worsen with continued strain or delayed management.
How is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of golfer’s elbow is typically made through a detailed clinical history and physical examination, with imaging used selectively to confirm diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
Clinical Assessment
Dr Shikha Parmar will assess:
- Location and nature of your pain
- Onset and history of repetitive activity or strain
- Aggravating movements, especially resisted wrist flexion and forearm pronation
- Grip strength and functional impact
- Tenderness along the medial epicondyle or flexor-pronator tendon origin
Imaging may be used if needed:
- Ultrasound may be used to visualise tendon thickening, degeneration, or tears in real-time.
- X-rays help exclude bony changes or arthritis.
- MRI offers detailed insight into the tendon and surrounding soft tissues for complex or unresponsive cases.
In most cases, clinical examination is sufficient for diagnosis, and imaging is reserved for persistent or atypical presentations.
Golfer’s Elbow – Treatment Overview
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT), is a non-invasive treatment approach used as part of a structured program for selected golfer’s elbow presentations. It may help modulate pain and local inflammatory processes and support tendon and soft tissue recovery without adding mechanical stress to already irritated tendon tissue.
Why Consider Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
Many patients present after limited relief from rest, bracing, physiotherapy, massage, exercises, or anti-inflammatory medication. These approaches may ease symptoms temporarily, but are not suitable or effective for everyone, especially if strengthening is introduced too early or aggravates sensitive tendon tissue.
Why ice, anti-inflammatories, cortisone, and PRP may not support long-term recovery. Read more here.
How LLLT Supports Healing
LLLT uses red and near-infrared light and may support:
- Helping modulate inflammation and oxidative stress
- Local circulation and oxygenation
- Lymphatic drainage
- Cellular energy production (ATP)
- Tendon and soft tissue recovery processes where irritation is present
- Assisting pain reduction without mechanical loading or stressing the elbow
Non-Invasive and Supported by Research
PBMT/LLLT is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. It has been studied in a range of musculoskeletal pain and injury conditions. Individual responses vary, and outcomes depend on the condition being treated and the stage of recovery. Read more here.
See how LLLT may support the cellular environment involved in tissue recovery here.
Our Treatment Program
All patients are assessed by Dr Shikha Parmar (GP). Treatment is delivered within a structured six-week program, including:
- Up to 12 LLLT sessions
- Early progress review after the first 6 treatments
- Individualised advice and activity modification
- Guided rehabilitation to support longer-term function
Progress is reviewed during the program. Many patients notice appreciable improvement after the first 6 treatments. If there has not been sufficient improvement by this review point, further treatment may not be recommended.
View the full treatment protocol and expected outcomes here.
Ready to Discuss Your Golfer’s Elbow Treatment Options?
If you are struggling with persistent pain from golfer’s elbow, we invite you to contact our team at Laser Pain Therapy to discuss the suitability of LLLT for your presentation. Treatment suitability and outcomes vary, and assessment is required before recommendations can be made.
Contact us to arrange your consultation.
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