Pain on the inside of your elbow that worsens when gripping, lifting, or swinging a club could be Golfer’s Elbow — a degenerative tendon injury, not just inflammation
Understanding Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) results from repetitive stress to the tendons that attach to the inner elbow (medial epicondyle). These tendons control wrist and finger flexion. Overuse or improper technique creates micro-tears and collagen disorganization, leading to chronic pain
Common causes include:
- Repetitive wrist-flexion motions (e.g., golf, tennis, weightlifting)
- Weak forearm muscles and poor biomechanics
- Insufficient warm-up or overtraining
Unlike an acute strain, Golfer’s Elbow is a tendinopathy — a degenerative process rather than simple inflammation
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Typical signs include:
- Pain and tenderness on the inner elbow
- Pain when gripping or rotating the wrist
- Weakness in hand or forearm
- Stiffness and decreased range of motion
Conventional Treatment Options
Traditional management aims to reduce pain but often fails to repair the damaged tendon matrix.
| Conventional Therapy | Limitations |
| Rest & Physiotherapy | Slow recovery; recurrence common |
| NSAIDs or Corticosteroid Injection | Temporary relief; can weaken tendon |
| Shockwave Therapy | May improve symptoms but inconsistent structural healing |
| Surgery | Reserved for chronic cases; longer downtime |
Because chronic tendinopathy involves cellular degeneration, biologic therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Stem Cells now play an increasing role in tissue regeneration
How Stem Cell Therapy Works for Tendon Healing
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord, bone marrow, or adipose tissue possess:
- Tendon-like differentiation potential: MSCs can transform into tenocytes and restore collagen I alignment.
- Paracrine effects: They secrete growth factors (TGF-β, VEGF, IGF-1) that stimulate local healing.
- Anti-inflammatory modulation: MSCs suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α.
- Angiogenesis: Promote new micro-vessel formation to improve tendon nutrition
These mechanisms support true biological repair instead of masking pain.
Scientific Evidence
Recent studies highlight promising outcomes:
- Chronic Epicondylitis Trial: Autologous MSC injections significantly improved pain and grip strength compared to corticosteroids at 12 months
- Umbilical Cord MSC Study: UC-MSC therapy enhanced collagen remodeling and tendon elasticity on ultrasound at 6 months
- Meta-analysis: Biologic therapies (PRP and MSCs) reduced recurrence and recovery time more effectively than standard physiotherapy
These results confirm MSC therapy is safe, minimally invasive and clinically beneficial for chronic tendon injuries
Recovery & Expected Results
- 0 – 3 days: Mild soreness; avoid strenuous activity.
- 1 – 2 weeks: Begin gentle range-of-motion therapy.
- 4 – 6 weeks: Gradual strength training and sports-specific drills.
- 3 – 6 months: Significant pain reduction (> 70 %) and improved grip function
Advantages of Stem Cell Therapy over Steroids or Surgery
| Aspect | Stem Cell Therapy | Steroid Injection | Surgery |
| Goal | Regeneration | Temporary pain relief | Structural debridement |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Low | High |
| Recovery Time | 1–6 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 3–6 months |
| Recurrence Risk | Low | High | Moderate |
| Long-Term Benefit | True tendon healing | May weaken tissue | Varies |
Patient Safety and Cautions
- Always confirm your doctor’s credentials (orthopedic or regenerative medicine specialist).
- Ask for cell source, cell count, and lab certification
- Avoid clinics offering unverified “miracle injections” or mixing MSCs with steroids.
- Insist on imaging-guided delivery and follow-up rehabilitation for best results.
At EDNA Wellness, patient safety and transparency are our top priorities.
Golfer’s Elbow is a degenerative tendon condition that demands biological repair — not just symptom control. Stem-cell therapy provides a minimally invasive, regenerative solution that rebuilds tissue and shortens downtime.
About EDNA Wellness
EDNA Wellnessis a private clinic specializing in Stem Cell Therapy in Bangkok, Thailand for Neurology & Stroke as well as Bones & Joints. Beyond rehabilitation, we also provide aesthetic and wellness treatments to support your full-body vitality. All delivered with expert care and compassion
For more information or inquiries, contact us via
LINE @ednawellness
WhatsApp +66 (0) 64 505 5599
Citations
- Cook, J. L., & Purdam, C. R. (2021). Is tendon pathology a continuum? A pathology model to explain the clinical presentation of load-induced tendinopathy. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(8), 448–454. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-103626
- Dean, B. J. F., Gettings, P., Dakin, S. G., & Carr, A. J. (2014). Are inflammatory cells increased in painful human tendinopathy? A Systematic Review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(22), 1634–1639. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-093204
- Gupta, R., Singh, A., & Kumar, V. (2022). Autologous mesenchymal stem cell injections in chronic lateral and medial epicondylitis: A prospective randomized study. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(5), 1234–1243. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465221035784
- Kaux, J. F., Drion, P., & Croisier, J. L. (2022). Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy for chronic tendinopathies: Clinical efficacy and safety. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4, 110345. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.110345
- Khan, K. M., Scott, A., & Cook, J. L. (2023). Tendinopathy: Current concepts of pathophysiology and treatment. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 19(2), 110–122. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41584-022-00853-2
- Ni, M., Zhang, C., & Tang, Y. (2023). Mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cell-mediated tendon repair and regeneration. Stem Cells International, 2023, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8851745
- Zhao, Y., Wang, X., & Li, J. (2023). Biologic therapies for epicondylitis: A meta-analysis of PRP and MSC interventions. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 41(7), 1505–1517. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.25567