Note: These products may help manage symptoms. They are not medical treatments. Consult a healthcare provider for persistent or serious conditions.
Golfer’s elbow - medial epicondylitis - is the overuse injury of the inner elbow that affects not just golfers but also climbers, baseball pitchers, construction workers, and anyone who performs repetitive gripping or wrist-flexion movements. The hallmark symptom is tenderness directly on the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inner side of the elbow), typically worsening with gripping, swinging, or bending the wrist toward the forearm.
It is important to distinguish this from tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), which affects the outer elbow. Products designed for tennis elbow target a different anatomical location and will not compress the correct area for golfer’s elbow.
| Product | Type | Target | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIMIEN Elbow Brace | Clasp brace | Medial epicondyle | Targeted pressure relief |
| BioSkin Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow Strap | Dual support strap | Medial + lateral | Dual-side pain coverage |
| TechWare Pro Compression Sleeve | Full-sleeve compression | Whole elbow + forearm | All-day wear, mild pain |
| Biofreeze Pain Reliever Gel Roll-On | Topical analgesic | Medial epicondyle | Immediate pain relief |
| TheraBand FlexBar Resistance Bar | Exercise tool | Tendon remodeling | Long-term rehabilitation |
SIMIEN Elbow Brace for Golfer’s Elbow
The SIMIEN elbow brace uses a targeted compression clasp that sits precisely over the medial epicondyle, reducing the stress transmitted to the inflamed tendon attachment during activity. Unlike generic elbow sleeves, it applies focused counter-force at the exact origin point of the wrist flexor tendons. This makes it particularly effective for activities that aggravate golfer’s elbow - swinging, gripping tools, lifting weights, or typing.
The brace is worn during activity (not necessarily all day) and can be adjusted for varying compression levels. It includes two braces in most packages, allowing you to wear one while washing the other. For acute golfer’s elbow, wearing this during aggravating activities and resting at other times is the standard approach.
Pros: Targeted medial compression, adjustable, two braces included, low-profile under sleeves or clothing Cons: Takes a session or two to position correctly on the medial epicondyle, not suitable for sleeping
BioSkin Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow Support Strap
The BioSkin strap is designed to address both medial (golfer’s) and lateral (tennis) elbow simultaneously, with dual compression pads that apply targeted pressure to both epicondyles. This makes it the best choice for anyone who is uncertain which side of the elbow is affected, or who has bilateral symptoms. The hypoallergenic BioSkin material is comfortable for all-day wear and suitable for sensitive skin.
The anatomically shaped strap wraps snugly around the forearm just below the elbow, and the compression pads are positioned to cover both epicondyles when applied correctly. The Velcro closure allows custom tension adjustment throughout the day as swelling changes.
Pros: Covers both medial and lateral epicondyles, hypoallergenic material, all-day comfort, adjustable tension Cons: Wider strap may restrict wrist mobility slightly, dual coverage means less precision for isolated medial epicondylitis
TechWare Pro Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve
The TechWare Pro sleeve provides full-elbow and proximal forearm compression rather than targeted epicondyle pressure. This approach is better suited for mild golfer’s elbow with diffuse aching rather than the sharp pinpoint tenderness of acute tendinopathy. The graduated compression promotes blood flow, reduces swelling, and provides proprioceptive feedback that can reduce the likelihood of further aggravation during activity.
The sleeve fits under clothing and can be worn throughout the workday without discomfort. The gel pad at the elbow tip provides additional impact cushioning, useful if the condition has progressed to any bony tenderness at the elbow itself.
Pros: Full-sleeve compression covers entire elbow, comfortable for all-day wear, gel pad for bony protection, affordable Cons: Less targeted than a clasp brace for acute medial epicondyle pain, compression may loosen over time
Biofreeze Professional Pain Reliever Gel Roll-On
Biofreeze uses menthol as its active ingredient, triggering the skin’s cold receptors (TRPM8) to produce a cooling sensation that effectively interrupts the pain signal pathway - a process known as the gate control theory of pain. Applied directly to the medial epicondyle before and after activity, it provides 4-6 hours of pain relief without systemic effects.
The roll-on format is ideal for the elbow: precise application directly on the epicondyle without getting gel on the hands, clean and non-messy to apply. Unlike topical NSAIDs (which require multiple applications daily), Biofreeze provides fast-onset relief within minutes of application.
Pros: Fast-acting cooling relief, clean roll-on applicator, non-greasy, no systemic effects, can be combined with any brace Cons: Symptomatic relief only - does not treat the tendon injury itself, must be reapplied every few hours
TheraBand FlexBar Resistance Bar for Physical Therapy
The TheraBand FlexBar is the single most evidence-backed product in this category. Physical therapy research on the “Reverse Tyler Twist” exercise - originally developed for tennis elbow but adapted for golfer’s elbow - demonstrates that daily eccentric loading of the wrist flexor tendons produces significant, lasting pain reduction compared to stretching and rest alone. The exercise involves twisting the FlexBar against resistance while slowly releasing the flexor tendons eccentrically.
Select the correct resistance level: Green (light, 6 lbs) for people with significant pain or limited forearm strength; Red (medium, 10 lbs) for most users. Perform the Reverse Tyler Twist 3 sets of 15 repetitions daily. Do this consistently for 8-12 weeks - the results accumulate through tendon collagen remodeling, which takes time.
Pros: Strongest evidence base of any product in this category, addresses root cause (tendon remodeling not just pain relief), inexpensive, portable Cons: Requires learning the correct Reverse Tyler Twist technique, results take 8-12 weeks of daily commitment, not a passive/instant solution
What to Look For
Confirm the correct side of the elbow. Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) = inner elbow pain. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) = outer elbow pain. This determines which side a brace needs to compress.
Brace during activity, not all day. Elbow braces work by offloading tendon stress during the specific movements that aggravate the condition. Wearing them constantly can weaken surrounding muscles.
Eccentric exercise is the long game. The FlexBar is the product that actually rehabilitates the tendon - not just manages symptoms. Use braces and Biofreeze to get through the day, but invest in the FlexBar exercises for lasting recovery.
Know the ulnar nerve warning. If you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in the ring and little fingers, this indicates possible ulnar nerve involvement (cubital tunnel syndrome) - a different condition requiring medical evaluation.
Final Thoughts
The optimal protocol for golfer’s elbow is: SIMIEN brace during aggravating activities, Biofreeze before and after activity for pain control, and TheraBand FlexBar Reverse Tyler Twist daily for tendon rehabilitation. The brace and gel manage symptoms while the FlexBar fixes the underlying problem. For severe or persistent cases beyond 6-8 weeks, see a sports medicine physician - corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma therapy may be warranted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between golfer's elbow and tennis elbow?+
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) causes pain on the inner side of the elbow - the bony bump on the little-finger side. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain on the outer side. Both involve tendon overuse, but they affect different forearm muscle groups. A brace designed for one condition targets a different anatomical location than one designed for the other - make sure your brace targets the medial epicondyle.
How does the TheraBand FlexBar help golfer's elbow?+
The FlexBar is used for an exercise called the Reverse Tyler Twist, which involves eccentric (lengthening) loading of the wrist flexors. This type of eccentric exercise is one of the most evidence-backed physical therapy interventions for tendinopathy - it promotes tendon collagen remodeling and has been shown in studies to produce significant and lasting pain reduction compared to stretching alone.
When should I see a doctor for golfer's elbow instead of treating it at home?+
See a sports medicine physician or orthopedist if pain is severe (affecting sleep or daily function), if you have numbness or tingling into the ring and little fingers (which may indicate ulnar nerve involvement), if symptoms have not improved after 6 weeks of consistent conservative treatment, or if you suspect a partial tendon tear.