Working out with golfer’s elbow or even just trying to can be frustrating. The pain around your elbow can limit how you lift, grip, or even stretch. 

At Chiro Kelowna, we understand that staying active matters. With over 17 years of serving the Kelowna community through chiropractic care, our focus is on holistic care that helps families move and live better.

This guide explains how you can workout with golfer’s elbow safely, strengthen your body, and protect your joints, all while recovering from golfer’s elbow.

Understanding Golfer’s Elbow and How It Affects Movement

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is mainly caused by overused tendons in your forearm. These tendons attach to the inside of your elbow, and when strained repeatedly, they become irritated and sore.

The pain usually develops in people who:

• Lift weights without proper wrist control.
  
• Perform repetitive forearm movements.
  
• Use incorrect posture during exercise or sports.

When you continue to workout with golfer’s elbow without addressing the root cause, the strain worsens. That’s why a careful approach, one that combines structured movement, posture correction, and chiropractic guidance, is essential.

Why Chiropractic Care Plays an Important Role

Our neuro-structural chiropractic adjustments help align the body, improving joint movement and posture. Proper alignment allows the muscles and tendons around the elbow to function more efficiently.

We also focus on correcting postural habits that may have caused or worsened the condition, to promote golfer’s elbow self-care. 

Habits that might have worsened golfer’s elbow can include:

• Slouched shoulders during workouts.
  
• Wrist overextension while lifting.
  
• Tight neck and upper back muscles affecting arm mechanics.

With gentle adjustments and targeted coaching, our chiropractic care guides your body to move in harmony again.

Safe Workout Guidelines for Golfer’s Elbow

When recovering from golfer’s elbow, the goal is not to stop exercising, but to train smarter.

Follow these essential tips from our chiropractic experts in Kelowna:

1. Warm Up Before Every Workout

A proper warm-up boosts blood flow and prepares your muscles for activity. Spend at least 10–12 minutes doing light cardio or dynamic stretches.

Include these movements:

• Arm circles and wrist rolls.
  
• Gentle forearm stretches.
  
• Shoulder blade squeezes to activate your upper back.

Warming up reduces stiffness and prevents sudden strain on the elbow tendons.

2. Strengthen Supporting Muscles

Your elbow doesn’t work alone. It depends on strong shoulders, wrists, and core muscles for stability.

Try these low-impact strengthening moves:

• Wrist curls with light dumbbells.
  
• Reverse curls to balance muscle strength.
  
• Isometric holds where you press your palm against a surface and hold.

Keep the movement slow and controlled. Focus on endurance, not heavy resistance.

3. Modify Lifts and Movements

Avoid exercises that put direct pressure on your forearm or inner elbow. Modify your training with these tips:

• Use neutral grips instead of palm-up grips when lifting.
  
• Replace pull-ups with lat pulldowns until you regain strength.
  
• Avoid curls with straight bars; use dumbbells for better wrist alignment.

These small adjustments reduce stress on the tendon and promote steady recovery.

4. Prioritize Posture and Alignment

Many people worsen golfer’s elbow condition by unknowingly having poor upper body posture. Rounded shoulders or forward head positions can shift tension into the arms.

For golfer’s elbow self-care, we recommend:

• Keeping your shoulders relaxed during every lift.
  
• Engaging your core to stabilize your upper body.
  
• Taking posture breaks during long desk hours or workouts.
  

Chiropractic posture correction sessions at LifeWorks help retrain your body to stay aligned naturally, even during physical activity.

5. Incorporate Rest and Recovery

Recovery is part of training. Without it, tendons can’t rebuild or heal.

Here’s how to rest effectively:

• Schedule at least one full rest day between upper-body workouts.
  
• Apply gentle ice after training if the elbow feels sore.
  
• Sleep at least 7–8 hours each night to support tissue healing.

During recovery, we often recommend laser therapy (HILT) sessions for advanced tissue repair. High-intensity laser therapy helps stimulate circulation and improve healing at a deeper level.

Exercises to Avoid When Managing Golfer’s Elbow

Until your elbow regains strength, stay away from movements that cause strain or sharp pain.

Avoid these exercises temporarily:

• Heavy bicep curls or tricep dips.
  
• Bench presses with a wide grip.
  
• Push-ups on flat palms (use fists or push-up bars instead).
  
• Any movement that causes a pulling sensation on the inside of your elbow.

Including workout with golfers elbow with lower-impact alternatives keeps your body active without worsening the condition.

Chiropractic Coaching for Long-Term Prevention

At LifeWorks Family Chiropractic, our goal is not only to help you recover but also to prevent future flare-ups.

We guide you through:

• Ergonomic education to improve how you move at work and home.
  
• Customized exercise routines that suit your body’s needs.
  
• Nutritional and lifestyle coaching to support joint and muscle health.

Our family-centric care model makes it easy for everyone, from parents to young athletes, to stay active safely.

We offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, so you can fit care into your routine. Our family packages also allow parents to bring their children for pediatric chiropractic adjustments at reduced rates, making wellness a shared family habit.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Support Better Workouts

Chiropractic adjustments are not only for recovery. They’re also essential for functional movement. By improving spinal alignment, we help:

• Enhance nerve communication between the brain and muscles.
  
• Increase joint mobility for smoother workouts.
  
• Promote balanced muscle activation to prevent strain.

When your body moves in proper alignment, your workouts become safer and more effective. You can build strength without placing extra load on your tendons.

Seasonal Focus: Staying Active in Fall and Winter

As the weather cools, our bodies tend to move less and stiffen more. During fall and winter, we focus on:

• Preventative chiropractic care to maintain joint mobility.
  
• Postural correction for people spending more time indoors.
  
• Stress reduction to support physical and emotional well-being.

Regular chiropractic sessions keep your body adaptable and strong, helping you continue your fitness journey without setbacks.

A Holistic Approach to Healing and Strength

Healing golfer’s elbow is not about stopping activity. Rather, it’s about moving in a way that doesn’t worsen the condition in any way. At LifeWorks, we combine chiropractic care, exercise education, and high-intensity laser therapy to promote faster recovery.

Our approach supports your body’s natural healing systems, guiding you toward long-term strength and stability.

By focusing on posture, proper form, and balanced muscle development, we help you return to your workouts with confidence and comfort.

Final Thoughts

Working out with golfer’s elbow doesn’t have to mean giving up your fitness goals. With the right guidance, smart training, and professional chiropractic support, you can recover while staying active.

At LifeWorks Family Chiropractic, we are committed to providing top-quality care that helps you move freely, train safely, and live fully.

Whether you’re a weekend golfer, a parent balancing family and fitness, or someone aiming to stay healthy year-round, we’re here to help you do it safely.
Schedule a visit at LifeWorks Family Chiropractic in Kelowna and let our team guide you toward smarter movement and lasting recovery.