By Dr. Richard Rosado, DC — New Leaf Chiropractic, Kendall, Miami, FL
Updated October 2026

You don't have to play golf to have golfer's elbow in Miami FL. You just have to use your arm. And if you've been told to rest it, ice it, and take ibuprofen — and it hasn't gotten better — there is a specific reason. This article explains exactly what golfer's elbow is, why standard treatment keeps failing, and what actually produces lasting resolution.

What Golfer's Elbow Actually Is in miami FL

Golfer's elbow — medial epicondylitis — involves the tendons that attach the forearm flexor muscles to the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inside of the elbow). When these tendons are repeatedly overloaded, the collagen fibers break down. Micro-tears accumulate. The tendon transitions from organized, strong collagen architecture to disorganized, degenerated tissue.

The critical distinction: this is tendinosis (degeneration), not tendinitis (inflammation). The -itis suffix means inflammation. The -osis suffix means degeneration. Most chronic elbow pain involves degeneration, not active inflammation. This distinction changes everything about treatment.

Anti-inflammatories treat inflammation. When the problem is degeneration, they do not fix the tissue. Cortisone injections suppress inflammation temporarily but have been shown to produce long-term tendon weakening with repeated use. Rest reduces load on the tendon but does not rebuild its collagen architecture.

The Cervical Connection

The C6, C7, and C8 nerve roots of the cervical spine control forearm flexor function. When these nerve roots are compressed by cervical subluxation or disc herniation, the muscles they control fatigue faster, generate abnormal tension, and place asymmetric load on the medial epicondyle tendon attachment. Most golfer's elbow treatment ignores the cervical spine entirely — which is why results are often incomplete.

What the Research Shows: SoftWave Therapy for Epicondylitis

A 2025 umbrella review found ESWT reduces pain versus placebo and outperforms corticosteroid injection on pain outcomes for epicondylitis — with no serious adverse effects. A 2022 network meta-analysis of 40 RCTs found ESWT ranked highest for grip strength recovery among all non-surgical epicondylitis treatments evaluated, including injections and PRP.

The Rehab Protocol — Start These Tonight

Eccentric Wrist Flexion: Forearm on a table, palm up, light weight (1–2 lbs). Use your other hand to curl the wrist up, then slowly lower over 3–4 seconds using only the injured arm. 3 sets of 15. The slow eccentric phase is what stimulates collagen remodeling.

Wrist Flexor Stretch: Arm extended, palm up, gently bend wrist down with other hand. Hold 30 seconds. 3 repetitions each side, twice daily.

Forearm Pronation/Supination: Hold a light hammer, rotate palm down then up slowly. 3 sets of 15 each direction.

Ulnar Nerve Glide: Arm extended to the side, tilt head away slowly. 10 repetitions. Mobilizes the ulnar nerve frequently entrapped in golfer's elbow cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to heal golfer's elbow?

The fastest path to golfer's elbow resolution addresses the tissue degeneration (with SoftWave therapy to stimulate collagen remodeling), the cervical nerve contribution (with corrective chiropractic), and the loading pattern (with eccentric loading exercises). This comprehensive approach resolves cases that have failed months of rest, bracing, and injection therapy.

Can golfer's elbow heal on its own?

Mild cases may improve with relative rest and exercise over 3–6 months. Chronic tendinosis — where the collagen architecture has been significantly disrupted — rarely resolves without intervention that actively stimulates tissue remodeling. Without rebuilding the collagen structure, the tendon remains vulnerable to re-injury with resumption of normal activity.

Research Citations

• Journal of Pain Research (2025). Umbrella review: ESWT vs. corticosteroid for epicondylitis.
• Network Meta-Analysis (2022). 40 RCTs: ESWT ranked highest for grip strength in epicondylitis.

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