Content Reviewed By: Dr. Steve Knighton, B.Sc., D.C. on November 1, 2026
Chiropractic License Number: 5580

Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Oakville

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

If you’re experiencing elbow discomfort, the team at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre in Oakville specialize in effective, evidence-based treatment for elbow injuries, including golfer’s elbow—characterized by pain on the inside of the elbow.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Dr. Steve and his chiropractic and Oakville physiotherapy team combine proven treatment protocols with personalized care to help patients recover quickly and effectively from Golfer’s Elbow. Whether your pain is recent or has been lingering for months, professional treatment can make a significant difference in your recovery.

Golfer’s elbow, also known as Medial Epicondylitis, isn’t just caused by golfing. It can be aggravated by everyday activities such as computer work, gardening, sports, workouts, or even certain sleeping positions.

Our comprehensive golfer’s elbow treatment includes Interferential Current Therapy (IFC), Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy, and Shockwave Therapy to accelerate healing, relieve pain, and restore function. Don’t let elbow pain hold you back—schedule an appointment today

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Anatomy of Golfer’s Elbow Video

Oakville Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow Video

Pain caused by medial epicondylitis is felt on the inside of the elbow. In the early stages the pain may feel dull and achy, but if left untreated the pain can start to become sharp. In the early stages pain is often intermittent, but in advanced stages it becomes more constant.

When you squeeze a golf club or turn a screwdriver, pay attention to where it hurts. Pain on the inside of the elbow when you grip or bend your wrist forward is typical of golfer’s elbow. If lifting a frying pan brings on pain on the outside, we check for tennis elbow by having you lift your wrist against resistance.

If our chiropractic and physiotherapy team in Oakville determine that your pain is coming from your neck, treatment will differ than the video above. Some patients have a nerve referral pain from their neck that causes elbow issues.

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4 Steps to Treating Golfer’s Elbow

Physiotherapy in Oakville can help manage golfer’s elbow through targeted strengthening, manual therapy and gradual return to activity.

 

1. Interferential Current Therapy For Golfers Elbow

 

 

Our golfer’s elbow specialists bring decades of experience and follow evidence-based treatment protocols to ensure effective care. As a standard approach, we always begin treatment with suction-based Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) and moist heat for elbow pain patients. Whether you are treated by our chiropractic team or Vinaya, our lead physiotherapist, these modalities are an essential part of the recovery process.

What is IFC?

Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) is an advanced electrical stimulation treatment that targets the injured area using suction cups and a vacuum system rather than traditional sticky pads. When combined with moist heat, IFC enhances blood flow, reduces pain, and prepares the affected tissues for shockwave therapy, optimizing treatment outcomes.

suction ifc unit on a patients elbow

2. Shockwave Therapy for Golfer’s Elbow

Shockwave therapy is the gold standard for treating golfer’s elbow, offering a scientifically backed, evidence-based approach to healing. Our evidence based chiropractic and physiotherapy care teams utilizes state-of-the-art treatment protocols, including shockwave therapy, to accelerate recovery and reduce pain effectively.

Shockwave therapy involves the use of an air-powered device that delivers rapid pulses—up to 15 times per second—directly to the injured area. The intensity of the treatment is adjustable, ranging from 0.3 BAR to 5.0 BAR, ensuring that it remains within the patient’s pain tolerance. Most patients receive between 900 and 1,500 targeted pulses during each session, helping to break down scar tissue, improve circulation, and promote tissue regeneration. Following treatment, patients are advised to apply ice to the affected area to minimize any residual discomfort and enhance recovery.

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A patient receiving shockwave treatment for golfer elbow

3. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy is a crucial step in the treatment of golfer’s elbow at our Oakville clinic. Commonly referred to as “scraping,” this technique helps break down superficial adhesions and scar tissue around the elbow and forearm, promoting better mobility and circulation.

Our skilled healthcare professionals perform this therapy within the patient’s pain tolerance, ensuring a comfortable yet effective treatment session. By targeting restricted tissues, this method aids in restoring proper movement and reducing discomfort. As with other treatment modalities, patients are advised to apply ice after the session to minimize any temporary soreness and support the healing process.

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metal tool treatment of a patients elbow

4. Active Release and Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy and Active Release Therapy (ART) are typically the final stages in our comprehensive treatment approach for golfer’s elbow. These hands-on techniques are designed to address deep-seated muscle tension, improve mobility, and accelerate healing.

the team at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre will locate knots and tight bands in the forearm and elbow, applying targeted pressure with their thumbs to help release these trigger points. Active Release Therapy (ART) is a dynamic treatment method where the practitioner applies precise pressure to the affected tissue while simultaneously guiding the patient through specific wrist and arm movements. This combination of pressure and movement helps lengthen and shorten the muscle, break up adhesions, and restore optimal function.

By incorporating these advanced soft tissue techniques, we aim to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and promote long-term recovery for patients suffering from golfer’s elbow.

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a patient getting a deep massage on their elbow

What Our Patients Are saying

  • I have been struggling with De Quervain’s for over 9 months and found Dr. Steve on YouTube a few weeks ago. Cannot recommend this clinic enough, if you have any wrist/thumb mobility issues they will help you! After 3 weeks of treatment here I can finally say I feel better... read more

    Aleksia Petrov Avatar Aleksia Petrov
    June 7, 2024

    I found the clinic while looking for shockwave therapy to help with relapse in elbow pain. I was really short on time to get ready for a sporting event, and Dr. Steve and the team at Nottinghill made sure my treatment was a priority. They were able to address the... read more

    Fauwad Khan Avatar Fauwad Khan
    June 30, 2026

    I had the chance to meet Dr. Steve Knighton completely by coincidence while on vacation, and I’m so grateful that I did. During our conversation, I mentioned that my daughter had been struggling to increase her iron levels despite taking iron supplements for quite some time. He recommended that we... read more

    Michele Davies Avatar Michele Davies
    August 17, 2026
  • This is the second time I go to this clinic with two different painful afflictions and both times they have been able to give me back my wellbeing. Thank you Dr. Steve and staff.

    Laura Avatar Laura
    May 27, 2026

    Dr. Steve is professional and friendly. He explained the cause of knee pain and answered all my concerns about the injury. His assistant and all staff at the clinic are really nice and patient. As a tourist, it is very frustrating to have an injury during the trip. However, they... read more

    Bo Zhang Avatar Bo Zhang
    August 7, 2024

    I was referred to Dr. Steve by a family member who said he was “awesome”—they were absolutely right! I came in with what felt like a frozen shoulder and was in quite a bit of pain. After just one visit with Dr. Steve and his incredibly attentive and friendly team,... read more

    Rachelle Cayer Avatar Rachelle Cayer
    March 31, 2026
  • Phenomenal service and care. Dr Steve and his staff are always very welcoming and knowledgeable.

    AdrianFootball 97 Avatar AdrianFootball 97
    February 6, 2025

    Dr Steve and team deserve 50 stars - what an amazing experience! From the moment my son arrived and we met the friendly and organized front office to the bold and welcoming intros with Dr Steve, followed by his assessment of the TOS condition, we were confident we were in... read more

    Sonia Scrocco Avatar Sonia Scrocco
    February 13, 2025

    I’ve had such a great experience with Dr. Steve and the entire team at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre. From the moment you walk in, everyone is welcoming, professional, and genuinely caring. There’s a real sense of camaraderie among the staff, and it creates such a positive, comfortable atmosphere. You can... read more

    Shawna Marie Avatar Shawna Marie
    April 9, 2026

Acupuncture for Golfer’s Elbow in Oakville

A patient receiving acupuncture treatment for elbow pain

Dr. Jenn Garven provides Contemporary Medical Acupuncture for golfer’s elbow and medial elbow pain at our Oakville clinic.

Golfer’s elbow involves pain around the inside of the elbow where the forearm flexor and pronator muscles attach. Despite the name, you do not need to play golf to develop it. Repetitive gripping, lifting, weight training, racquet sports, throwing, manual work and repeated wrist movements can all overload this area.

Dr. Jenn uses an anatomy-based approach rather than applying the same acupuncture points to every patient. Depending on the examination, acupuncture may be directed toward selected muscles of the forearm and tissues surrounding the painful medial elbow.

Gentle electrical stimulation can also be applied to selected acupuncture needles when appropriate. Acupuncture can be used to decrease pain sensitivity and muscular guarding so that movement, gripping and progressive rehabilitation can become more comfortable.

Persistent golfer’s elbow usually requires more than simply reducing pain. The involved muscles and tendon also need to regain enough strength and capacity to tolerate work, exercise and normal daily activity without repeatedly becoming irritated.

Acupuncture is one option within our broader golfer’s elbow treatment program. Depending on the patient, treatment can also include suction-style IFC, Shockwave Therapy, soft tissue treatment, activity modification and progressive forearm strengthening.

Patients specifically interested in acupuncture can learn more about our Acupuncture in Oakville program, meet Dr. Jenn Garven, or read our Oakville Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions.

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What are the best Exercises for Golfer’s Elbow?

A graphic showing best exercise for Golfer's elbow

Once our golfers elbow experts have you on the road to recovery, strengthening the elbow to help prevent reoccurrence will be at the top of their priority list. Injuries can inherently weaken the muscle, and it’s important to rebuild that strength once the pain had been reduced!

Our chiropractic and physiotherapy team at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre has put together an inclusive list of stretches and exercises to help get your elbows back to 100%. Download our Golfer’s Elbow Exercises in pdf below.

If golf, throwing or gym sessions keep aggravating the inside of your elbow, bring those details to your appointment. Our sports chiropractors in Oakville build care around the examination findings and the gripping or throwing demands you need to return to.

Download Free Exercises for Golfer’s Elbow

How to tape Golfer’s Elbow

Tape can be an easy and effective treatment for elbow pain. Using stretchy athletic tape, like K-tape or Rocktape, can be a quick and comforting aspect of therapy. These taping techniques for golfer’s elbow can help limit the strain that everyday activities place on the elbow.

Applying this tape to the inside of the elbow can reduce pain and inflammation caused by golfer’s elbow. When applied correctly, this tape can remain effective for 3-4 days and can even remain in place after showering or swimming. Ask one of our chiropractors how to apply it!

Watch a Video on How To Apply Golfer’s Elbow Tape

A graphic showing correct way to do elbow tapping

Book a Golfer’s Elbow Appointment in Oakville

Does the inside of your elbow hurt when you grip a club, lift weights or carry groceries? At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre in Oakville, our chiropractors and physiotherapist can check which movements bother your elbow and show you what to change so you can get back to the activities you enjoy.

We offer private treatment rooms, direct billing and Saturday appointments from 7:00 to 11:30 a.m. Looking to get in today? Call or text our front desk for same-day availability.

Call 905-827-4197 or text 289-228-8858 to book.

If your golfer’s elbow pain is related to a workplace injury, learn how to start a WSIB claim and access approved treatment in Oakville.

Been suffering through elbow pain for too long? Ready to get rid of your elbow pain?

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Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Oakville – Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do you treat golfer’s elbow at your Oakville clinic?

First, we find the movement that brings on your pain. We’ll check your grip, have you bend your wrist against resistance and feel along the inside of your elbow. If the forearm tendon is the source, Dr. Steve and the team usually start with suction IFC and heat. Depending on what we find, we can add shockwave or hands-on work to the forearm. Before you leave, we’ll show you which activity to change and which exercise to start at home.

Is shockwave therapy an option for golfer’s elbow?

Yes. We use shockwave for stubborn pain around the tendon attachment on the inside of the elbow. If squeezing a club or lifting a pan brings on your pain, we check that movement first. It gives us something specific to reassess as treatment progresses. We also look at how much gripping you’re doing between visits and build your forearm strength back up. Shockwave therapy in Oakville

Can I book acupuncture for golfer’s elbow in Oakville?

Yes. Dr. Jenn Garven offers acupuncture at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre. She’ll check where you feel the pain, whether it travels down your forearm and which movements bring it on. That exam helps her decide whether acupuncture fits your treatment plan and where to treat. If you’d like to see Dr. Jenn, ask for her when you book. Acupuncture in Oakville

Should I book a chiropractor or a physiotherapist for golfer’s elbow?

You can start with either at our clinic. Our chiropractors and physiotherapist assess elbow pain and can help you get back to gripping, lifting or playing golf. If your main question is how to get back to the gym, tell us which lift bothers you. If it’s work, tell us which tool or task sets it off. If you’re using benefits, your visit is billed under the profession of the provider you see. Physiotherapy in Oakville

Why do I have golfer’s elbow if I don’t play golf?

The muscles you use to grip and bend your wrist attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. Pruning a hedge, turning a screwdriver or adding heavier rows at the gym can all put extra demand on that spot. Think back to the week before it started. A full Saturday of yard work can explain more than the coffee mug that hurt to lift on Monday morning.

What’s the first thing I should change when golfer’s elbow flares up?

Start with the task that predictably sets it off. If carrying a full toolbox hurts, split the load. If heavy curls leave your elbow aching the next morning, reduce the weight or leave them out for a few sessions. Keep doing the activities your elbow tolerates. As everyday gripping gets easier, gradually work the harder tasks back in.

Where do I put a golfer’s elbow strap?

Place the strap around the upper forearm, about two finger-widths below the sore bump on the inside of your elbow. The pad should sit over the fleshy part of the forearm. Try lifting the same light object before and after fitting it. The strap should feel snug and make gripping more comfortable. Take it off if it causes tingling or makes your hand feel numb. If you’re unsure about the fit, bring it to your appointment and we’ll check it with you.

What exercise can I start with for golfer’s elbow?

Once the sharp pain has settled and you can comfortably move your wrist, try a supported wrist curl. Sit with your forearm on a table, palm facing up and your hand just over the edge. Slowly bend your wrist up, then lower it with control while your forearm stays on the table. Start with an empty hand. If you get sharp pain or your elbow is noticeably worse the next morning, ease back. For pictures, see the wrist-flexion exercise in the printable AAOS elbow exercise guide.

Can I keep golfing or lifting weights with golfer’s elbow?

Start with what you can do comfortably. On the course, try putting and short chips before you work back up to full swings. In the gym, a lighter pulling exercise is a better first test than a heavy set of chin-ups. Pay attention the next morning. If your elbow feels fine during practice but hurts to pour the kettle the next day, cut back the next session.

How long does golfer’s elbow take to heal?

Everyday gripping can start to feel easier over several weeks. Getting back to heavy lifting, a full shift using tools or 18 holes can take months, especially if the elbow has been sore for a while. Pick one task that usually hurts, like lifting a frying pan, and check how it feels from week to week. If it stays just as painful despite changing the activity, it’s worth getting the elbow assessed.

What if my ring finger or pinky tingles along with the elbow pain?

Mention that when you book. The ulnar nerve runs just behind the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. Tingling in those two fingers, especially when you lean on the elbow or hold your phone with the elbow bent, gives us a reason to check the nerve as well as the tendon. If the numbness persists, your hand is getting weaker or you’re dropping things, get assessed promptly.

Where can I book golfer’s elbow treatment in Oakville?

Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre is at 1131 Nottinghill Gate in Oakville, on the second floor with elevator access. We offer chiropractic, physiotherapy and acupuncture in private treatment rooms, with Saturday chiropractic appointments from 7:00 to 11:30 a.m. To book, call 905-827-4197, text 289-228-8858 or contact the clinic.

 

Content Reviewed By: Dr. Steve Knighton, B.Sc., D.C. on November 1, 2026
Chiropractic License Number: 5580