Short answer: Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a worn-out, overloaded tendon on the inside of the elbow that hurts when you grip, swing, lift, or bend your wrist. It usually gets better without surgery or repeated cortisone shots. At Adisi Health Center in Hinsdale, Dr. Steve Petzel treats it with Storz Medical radial and focused shockwave, the 40-watt LightForce XLi Class IV laser, and Winback TECAR, plus a home strengthening program. Call (630) 887-1900 or schedule an appointment.

Class IV laser treatment on the elbow for golfer's elbow at Adisi Health Center in Hinsdale, IL

What is golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is the everyday name for medial epicondylitis. The muscles that bend your wrist and turn your palm down all attach to one bony bump on the inside of the elbow. When that shared tendon is overloaded again and again, it starts to break down and hurt.

Common signs include:

  • Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow, sometimes spreading into the forearm
  • Pain when you grip, shake hands, carry groceries, or turn a doorknob
  • Pain at impact in a golf swing, or when hitting a forehand or a pickleball dink
  • A weak grip, or stiffness first thing in the morning

You don’t have to golf to get it. We see it in tennis and pickleball players, weightlifters, contractors, gardeners, and people who type or use a mouse all day.

Is golfer’s elbow the same as tennis elbow?

No, but they’re cousins. Tennis elbow hurts on the outside of the elbow, where the wrist-extending muscles attach. Golfer’s elbow hurts on the inside. Both are tendon problems from overuse, and our conditions page explains that both are degenerative tendinopathies, not just inflammation. That’s why anti-inflammatories rarely give lasting relief. If your pain is on the outside, read our post on shockwave for tennis elbow.

Can shockwave and laser therapy help golfer’s elbow?

Yes. Each therapy has a different job:

  • Shockwave sends acoustic pulses into the damaged tendon to restart the healing response, increase blood flow, and support new collagen. Adisi has both radial and focused Storz Medical units on-site, so Dr. Petzel can treat the broader forearm muscles and the deeper tendon attachment in the same visit.
  • Class IV laser (photobiomodulation) uses high-powered infrared light to calm pain and inflammation and support tissue repair. At 40 watts, the LightForce XLi reaches tissue that low-power “cold” lasers can’t.
  • Winback TECAR delivers deep heat into the tendon and forearm muscles to help them relax and move better.

You can combine these therapies in one visit, and you see Dr. Petzel at every visit.

Storz Medical radial shockwave applicator used for golfer's elbow treatment at Adisi Health Center in Hinsdale

What does the research say?

There’s much more research on tennis elbow than on golfer’s elbow, but the studies we have are encouraging:

  • Shockwave for golfer’s elbow with ulnar nerve irritation (2026). Researchers at the University of Pisa reviewed patients with golfer’s elbow whose ulnar nerve (the “funny bone” nerve) was also irritated. They were treated with combined focused and radial shockwave on a Storz Medical device, 3 to 5 weekly sessions. Two of the three patients had a marked drop in pain and better arm function at every check-up through two years, and no side effects were seen. It’s a very small case series, and the authors called for larger studies (Ryskalin et al., Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2026; PubMed 41847568).
  • High-intensity laser for tendon pain, 2026 meta-analysis. A review pooled 15 randomized trials with 629 patients with tendinopathy, mostly elbow and shoulder tendons. High-intensity laser significantly improved pain and disability, the pain relief was large enough to matter to patients, and the benefit kept growing over time, peaking around 16 weeks (Hong et al., Lasers in Medical Science, 2026; PubMed 41964853).

Results vary from person to person, and every plan at Adisi includes exercises to rebuild the tendon.

What does a golfer’s elbow visit at Adisi look like?

  1. Free phone consultation. A 20-minute call with Dr. Petzel to see if you’re a good fit.
  2. New patient evaluation ($249, about 45 minutes). A full history and hands-on exam of your elbow, wrist, shoulder, and neck, plus your first treatment. Dr. Petzel checks whether the pain is coming from the tendon, the ulnar nerve, or somewhere else.
  3. Targeted treatment. Shockwave follow-up sessions take about 20 minutes, spaced about a week apart, and most protocols are about 6 sessions. Laser takes 10 to 15 minutes per area. There’s no downtime.
  4. Home strengthening program. Simple grip and wrist exercises, and tips on your swing, racquet grip, or workstation.
  5. Tracking progress. Dr. Petzel adjusts your plan as your elbow responds. Many patients notice real improvement by sessions 3 to 4.

Treatment room with therapy equipment at Adisi Health Center, 534 Chestnut St, Hinsdale, IL

How much does golfer’s elbow treatment cost in Hinsdale?

From our pricing page:

  • New patient evaluation: $249, including your first treatment
  • Shockwave: $200 per session, or $1,050 for a 6-session pack
  • Class IV laser, EMTT, and Winback TECAR: $115 per session, with 10- and 20-session packs available

Want to get back on the course faster? Both of our membership plans are built for accelerated recovery. They let you combine up to 4 therapies per visit, and shockwave is included:

  • Recovery Membership, $1,299/month: includes shockwave, up to 20 minutes per week
  • Premium, $2,199/month: includes up to 2 shockwave sessions per week

Treatments are cash pay, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted. No referral is needed.

Is shockwave and laser treatment safe?

For most people, yes. Both are non-invasive, with no needles or medication. Dr. Petzel reviews your health history first.

Shockwave is generally not used:

  • During pregnancy
  • Over a known or suspected tumor or cancer
  • Over an active infection or open wound
  • With a bleeding disorder or blood-thinning medication, unless cleared first
  • Over metal implants in the treatment area, unless cleared first
  • Over open growth plates in children and teens

Mild soreness, redness, or tingling after shockwave is common and usually fades within a day or two. We recommend avoiding heavy gripping or high-impact activity for 24 to 48 hours after each session.

Laser is not used over active cancer, directly over the eyes, over the thyroid, or over the abdomen during the first trimester of pregnancy. Protective eyewear is always worn. Tell Dr. Petzel if you take medication that makes you sensitive to light.

When should I see a physician first?

See a physician or orthopedic specialist first if:

  • You felt a pop and the elbow bruised or swelled right away
  • You can’t straighten or bend the elbow fully
  • Your ring and little fingers are constantly numb, or your hand is getting weak or clumsy
  • The elbow is hot and red, or you have a fever

If your elbow pain started after a car accident or a work injury, we also handle personal injury and auto accident care. Dr. Petzel will tell you honestly if you need imaging or a surgical opinion.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to heal golfer’s elbow?
Ease off the grip-heavy activities that flare it, start gentle strengthening, and treat the damaged tendon. Shockwave and high-intensity laser are non-surgical options that work on the tendon itself.

Should I stop golfing with golfer’s elbow?
Not always. Many people keep playing with fewer rounds, fewer range balls, and a lighter grip while they heal. Dr. Petzel will give you a plan based on your exam.

How many sessions will I need?
Most shockwave protocols are about 6 sessions, about a week apart. Laser plans often run about 10 sessions. Dr. Petzel adjusts the plan as you improve.

Does shockwave for golfer’s elbow hurt?
Most patients feel only mild discomfort, and the intensity is adjusted to your comfort. Laser and TECAR feel like gentle warmth.

Is treatment covered by insurance?
Shockwave, laser, EMTT, and TECAR are cash pay, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Chiropractic adjustments are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO.

Do you see patients from outside Hinsdale?
Yes. Patients come to our office at 534 Chestnut Street, Suite 240 in downtown Hinsdale from Oak Brook, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Western Springs, Downers Grove, Westmont, La Grange, and nearby towns. See our local pages for Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, and Western Springs.

Related reading: Shockwave for tennis elbow, laser therapy for carpal tunnel, and our sports therapy page.

Dr. Steve Petzel, DC, at Adisi Health Center in Hinsdale, IL

Ready to grip, swing, and lift without elbow pain?

If rest, a brace, or a cortisone shot hasn’t fixed it, let’s find out what’s driving your elbow pain. Call Adisi Health Center at (630) 887-1900, email DrPetzel@AdisiHealth.com, or book your visit online.

This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Results vary.

References

  1. Ryskalin L, Fulceri F, Busoni F, Colomo E, Soldani P, Gesi M. Case report: application of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in medial epicondylitis with concomitant ulnar nerve instability: a case series with long-term follow-up. Front Rehabil Sci. 2026;7:1677404. PubMed 41847568
  2. Hong R, Lin X, Xue YS, et al. Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy for tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lasers Med Sci. 2026;41(1):68. PubMed 41964853

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