Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is inflammation of the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. Despite the name, it affects not just golfers but anyone who performs repetitive gripping motions. The condition is painful and slow to heal. Red light therapy can reduce inflammation and speed recovery.
What the Research Says
Red light therapy shows good evidence for elbow tendonitis:
- Multiple RCTs show reduced pain and improved function in lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
- Evidence for medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) is less extensive but mechanism is identical.
- The 830–850nm NIR wavelength reduces tendon inflammation and stimulates collagen repair.
- Recovery times can be shortened by 30–50% when combined with eccentric exercises.
The Golfer's Elbow Protocol
- Rest the affected arm. Stop the activity causing the tendonitis. RLT can't help if you keep aggravating the tendon.
- Treat the inner elbow for 10–15 minutes, 2x daily. Position the device 6 inches from the medial epicondyle.
- After acute pain subsides, start eccentric exercises. Wrist flexor eccentric exercises are the gold standard for rehab.
- Be patient. Tendons heal slowly. Most cases need 6–8 weeks for full recovery.
- Gradually return to activity. Don't rush back — relapses take longer to heal.
Best Devices
Best Wrap: Comfhouse Knee Wrap (fits elbow)
Red Light Therapy Joint Wrap (Knee/Elbow)
Comfhouse · Budget
$79
- Wavelengths
- 660nm + 880nm + 940nm
- LEDs
- Tri-wavelength
- Irradiance
- Mid
- Size
- Adjustable wrap
Best for: Knee and elbow pain relief
Pros
- Affordable
- Wearable and adjustable
- Tri-wavelength
- Rechargeable
Cons
- Single joint only
- Limited LED count
- Generic brand
Best Panel: MitoMIN 2.0
Mito Red Light MitoMIN 2.0
Mito Red Light · Budget
$199
- Wavelengths
- 660nm + 850nm
- LEDs
- 60 dual-chip LEDs
- Irradiance
- ~80 mW/cm²
- Size
- 12" x 4" x 2.5"
Best for: Targeted face and small-area treatments; entry-level
Pros
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Strong irradiance for the price
- Third-party tested wavelengths
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Too small for full-body
- No built-in timer display
- Corded only
Best Premium: Kineon Move+
Kineon Move+ Red Light Therapy Wrap
Kineon · Premium
$399
- Wavelengths
- 660nm + 808nm
- LEDs
- Multi-LED + laser
- Irradiance
- Premium
- Size
- Modular wrap
Best for: Targeted joint and muscle recovery
Pros
- Combines LED and laser
- Modular straps fit any joint
- Premium build
- Strong recovery community
Cons
- Premium price
- Smaller coverage area
- App-based controls
Rehab Exercises
Once acute pain subsides (3–5 days), start eccentric wrist flexor exercises:
- Hold a light dumbbell (1–3 lbs) in your affected hand, palm up
- Use your other hand to lift the weight up
- Slowly lower the weight with your affected hand (3–5 seconds)
- Repeat 10–15 times, 3 sets
- Do this 1–2x daily
Combine with RLT before exercises for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — based on tennis elbow evidence (same mechanism), RLT can reduce pain and speed recovery from golfer's elbow. Recovery shortened by 30–50%.
Most users see improvement after 2–4 weeks of consistent daily use. Full recovery takes 6–8 weeks.
Sometimes. Acute cases often resolve with RLT + eccentric exercises. Chronic cases may require additional treatments.
For wrap: Comfhouse Knee Wrap ($79, fits elbow). For panel: MitoMIN ($199). For premium: Kineon Move+ ($399).
Yes — at least initially. Stop the aggravating activity for 3–7 days. RLT can't help if you keep stressing the tendon.
Yes — RLT is non-invasive and drug-free. Combines well with short-term NSAID use. Consult your doctor.
Best Device for Golfer's Elbow
The Comfhouse Knee Wrap fits perfectly around the elbow.
Check on Amazon →