Those symptoms usually come from the ulnar nerve, which runs in a groove right behind the inner elbow, not from the tendon itself. The two often occur together, because swelling and tension around the elbow can irritate the nerve. Your physiotherapist will test nerve sensation, strength and sliding as part of the assessment, because a nerve component changes which exercises are safe to start with.

Grip weakness with golfer’s elbow is usually pain inhibition rather than muscle wasting. Your nervous system reduces the force it will let the forearm produce, to protect a tendon it reads as under threat. Grip strength is one of the most useful measures we track, because it tends to improve as the tendon rebuilds capacity, giving you and your physiotherapist an objective sign the plan is working.

Often yes, with adjustments. Complete rest lets a tendon lose capacity, which makes the return harder. Your physiotherapist may reduce your rounds, cut range sessions, limit long irons, or change how many balls you hit off mats, which are harsher on the elbow than turf. The aim is to keep the tendon working at a level it can tolerate, then build from there.

Sometimes. Grip size that is too small makes you squeeze harder, and heavy hitting off mats or from deep rough spikes the load through the inner elbow. A steep swing that catches turf before the ball is a common contributor. Your physiotherapist can flag the patterns that matter and help determine where a technical change may be needed.

Yes, though it is less common than one side alone. Bilateral symptoms usually mean a whole-body load issue rather than a single arm problem: a new job, a training block, or a change in tools or equipment. Symptoms in both elbows also prompt your physiotherapist to check for other contributors, including neck involvement, diabetes and thyroid conditions, which can affect tendon health.

Some cases settle when the aggravating activity stops. Many do not, and the tendon can stay symptomatic for a year or more because the underlying loss of capacity has not been addressed. Long-standing cases often become harder to shift, and people compensate by changing their grip and shoulder mechanics, which can create secondary problems higher up the arm.