Cure Golf Elbow Pain

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Cure golfers elbow and elbow pain related to your golf swing and learn its root cause.


One of the most important components of the rotary swing is injury prevention.

As I've talked about a lot in my clinics, 81% of the golfers on the PGA Tour will miss nine weeks of play for a golf swing -related injury, and the majority of those consider them to be chronic.

Now if you keep getting injured doing something, it would make sense to me to do something differently, but apparently that logic defies common sense out there.

So golfers keep getting injured over and over again, and for amateurs, the numbers, the statistics are very similar.

People get injured all the time playing golf, and it's all preventable.

It's all how you're moving, what you're doing with your body, and these very simple things that are easy to fix that you can prevent injury every time.

You don't have to get hurt playing golf.

It's not a contact sport, and that's why I enlisted the help of a lot of medical experts and PhD biomechanists.

We have orthopedic surgeons, Neurosurgeons on our medical panel that have helped me go through my swing methodology and helped me understand what causes injury and how we can prevent those things.

One of the really common ones is a lot of left elbow pain.

Really what it comes down to is what we call golfer's elbow or tennis elbow, where this tendon starts to detach from the bone here.

So you start seeing guys out on the course wearing these bands that are applying pressure to help hold the tendon onto the bone, And the simple fact of the matter is one of the most common causes of it is just being in an improper impact position, and that's it.

You keep striking the ground.

You keep doing this repetitive stress motion where you're taking deep divots and hitting the ground, hitting the ground, and if you're hitting off mats, it makes this happen even faster, and so the tendon starts to detach, but you also start getting a lot of, You can start even arthritis on the elbow because of the elbow being in the wrong position at impact.

What is the correct position?

The elbow should be rotated this way so that it's essentially pointing more or less down the target line at impact, and the back of the left hand is also pointing down the target line at impact.

At address, it starts a little bit here, but remember the clubface is always rotating throughout the entire golf swing.

It's rotating around the shaft here, which is why it's in the heel of the club.

It's designed to work this way.

You don't want to try and hold it square.

It doesn't want to work like that, so the arm as it goes back is rotating going back, and as it comes down it's staying there, and the wrist bones are what's rotating in the downswing to release the club.

That leaves the elbow pointing down the target line, and what this does is it puts it in a position where if you do come down really steep or you're, you know, you're constantly hitting off hard grass or mats, especially during the winter for a lot of you golfers up north, and when you do that and your elbow hits the ground, instead of coming and shocking the inside of this part of your bone, it allows your arm to bend this way.

So, which as you imagine, everybody's elbow, it's okay to do this, right?

It'll do it all day and it won't hurt anything, but when you come in impact with your arm like this and really jammed up against your body, All you're doing is you're taking these bones and knocking them into your humerus bone over and over and over again, and of course your bones aren't going to like that.

If your arm is rotated internally at impact, all of a sudden it becomes pretty easy to understand that even if I come down really steep, my elbow is going to give first and bend in the plane and axis that it's designed to bend on, so you're not, you're never going to get hurt coming into impact with your elbow this way.

So many golfers, Because they become very right side dominant, because they're naturally right-handed, and they're pushing really hard with the right arm, their left arm starts getting kind of beat up and really close to their body and kind of jammed up, and then all of a sudden this elbow is the one taking all the abuse.

So practice without the club first of letting your arm rotate going back, that's what helps set the club on plane, and then as you come down, Keep this elbow feeling like it's pointing more out and then straight down the target line.

And let your wrist bones rotate and release the club into impact, and you won't feel any stress on your elbow anymore.

Keep the elbow pointing down the target line if you're having elbow pain.

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Bob
at setup does the lead elbow point down the target line or should it point at your lead hip?
September 19, 2022
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. You don't want max external rotation of the lead arm at setup. But, the elbow should point away from the body and not down the line at setup.
September 19, 2022
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Clinton
Hi. I have hyper extension in both my elbows. So basically at impact it’s hard to stop the over extension due to the speed at impact. Any suggestions ?
May 16, 2021
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Clinton. It would be easier to help diagnose the cause with a video. However, even with speed you should be able to shy away. If using a lead release practice Left Elbow Position at Impact Video to help.
May 17, 2021
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Brandon
Hello, I’ve recently been getting pain in my lead tricep...right where it meets the elbow. Would this be caused by the same thing here? I’m hitting in the garage on a mat and can certainly feel it when I come down to steep.
November 23, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brandon. Yes. Sounds like you need to shallow out the plane/path. You should be shaving the mat. More than likely throwing the club into the ground getting the brunt of the blow back into the arm.
November 23, 2020
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Brandon
Ok...I am surprised I’m still doing this considering I’m doing the 9-3 drill with just my lead arm. Any recommendations on what I should look at in terms of videos to shallow out my plane/path. Thanks!
November 23, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brandon. Take a look at Drill to Learn Inside Path and Fix Your Release. Shallower plane and don't get too active with the arm/wrist.
November 23, 2020
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greg
I need some advice or a tip to help keep my lead elbow facing the target
September 12, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Greg. 5 Minutes to the Perfect Release, Left Elbow Impact Alignments, Fix Your Release and Left Arm Downswing Drill Videos. I would start there. Make sure you are releasing it properly with forearm/wrist.
September 12, 2020
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Jonathan
Hello Craig, I've been working on and will continue to work on this drill. However, I'm getting pain on the outside of my left elbow (not the inside). I release the right arm at impact, at the range is fine, but on the course (depending on the hardness of the grass), I get incredible left elbow pain. When I release the right arm (or even have it lightly on the club) my left arm is just taking too much of the blow from the ground. Any idea of what would be causing this and how to fix it? My guess would be coming in too steep. I'm just looking to be able to play consistent golf pain free. Thanks.
August 5, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jonathan. Sounds like you are coming into the ball with a very sharp angle and the leading edge is digging. Sounds weird. But, take a look at the Master the Golf Chipping Stroke Video. See if you can gain a shallower strike in the smaller move. Then, graduate and when graduating we have to shallow out that plane/path.
August 5, 2020
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Gary
I am really struggling with getting my left elbow to stay down the line without having the face open at impact. Can you please tell me how I can get the left wrist to turn without turning the entire arm on the downswing? My left elbow is in real pain at this time and no matter how much I try I can't seem to get the elbow pointed down line thus the continued pain at impact. Is there something that can be done during the takeaway, backswing, transition t downswing that could change the elbow to point down the line?
August 3, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Gary. Make sure the arm is rotating properly from the shoulder socket. LADD Video (Left Arm Downswing Drill). And, Left Hand Power Release Video to make sure you are rotating forearm/wrists correctly.
August 3, 2020
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Kevin
After taking two years off for this exact issue, I have been trying to remedy this since I started golf back up in January. I have had two periods of slight elbow pain during these 6 months. It’s nothing like what it was when I quit playing, but still worrying. I have worked on these drills and also the Chris Tyler video related to this subject. I feel good hitting into an impact bag that I can get into position. In the last two days I’ve restarted with no club just practicing the forearm rotation from post up to impact. I completely get the movement, but it seems to lapse once I get on the range. Overall question is, will these reps also help my club release properly? I had been putting in lots of release drill reps since the last boot camp, but now I’m getting the elbow tenderness back. Definitely frustrating as I want to play golf freely and pain free, but am always weary of injuring my elbow again.
June 2, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kevin. Yes, these reps will help. But, the key is when you add back the ball at the range you need to practice lead arm only releases. Work through the 5 Minutes to the Perfect Release as add back the ball. You must make sure to start slowly until comfortable with the motion.
June 3, 2020
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Robert
My elbow pain is not in my lead elbow, it’s on the inside of my trailing elbow (I swing right handed, it’s the inside of my right elbow). What am I doing wrong, and how should the trailing elbow be positioned at impact? Thanks, Bob
May 18, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bob. Elbow pain in trail is usually 99% because of over using it in the swing. Trail elbow at impact should still be facing away from the body, but not locked out. I would check to make sure you aren't over using it on the backswing first.
May 18, 2020
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Christopher
When this video first came out a while back, I worked the hell out if this. I swear this was my key to stop hooking the ball. Before focusing on keeping the left elbow pointed at the target at impact, I could see on video that I over rotated it causing majority of my shots to go left. This video was my hook stopper!
April 30, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Christopher. Awesome. Thanks for the post for our members.
April 30, 2020
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Joost
If you point the lead elbow to the target, and at the same time keep it soft and relaxed, it is quite hard to keep it straight. Specifically if you let the arm get turned by the body. Do you have any tips on keeping the (passive, relaxed) arm straight?
April 30, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Joost. Try the drill with two clubs in the Play the Best Golf Of Your Life in 6 Weeks Video 2 of 6.
April 30, 2020
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Dan
I've just started practicing with the rotary connect device. After only two days, I notice sharp pain on the outside of my lead elbow. This is what is called "tennis elbow", not "golfer's elbow" (which is on the inside). I like the results I'm getting with the rotary connect, but I don't like the pain. Any suggestions?
February 10, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Dan. Make sure the lead arm is rotating properly from the lead shoulder socket while making the move. Take a look at How to Keep the Left Arm Straight Video. If you lack that rotation it may cause issues.
February 10, 2020
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David
Hi, great video of left elbow injury and how to correct it......I also know a few friends who are having right elbow pain, and yes, they are very right arm right shoulder dominant, coming over the top, taking big deep divots with every iron.......I didn’t see a video about how to fix their right arm pain........I know they need to change their swing pattern, etc. but would be great if there was a video that explains that pain and how it occurs from this sight with the rotary teachers.......doubt if my explanation to them would carry much weight......and it’s very possible you have that video, I just have not seen it........is it somewhere on RST? Thank you so much
February 9, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello David. We don't have a video explaining trail elbow pain. Nevertheless, you pinpointed the greatest hits that lead to trail elbow pain. Most issues arise from over use. "Tennis elbow" on the trail side comes from exacerbated work. Folding the arm too much to soon, excessive flexion, trail side dominance into the strike, etc... The arms do relatively little to nothing in the swing and when they over work it leads to inflammation/pain. Sadly, the only way to diminish is rest and stop swinging the arms too much.
February 9, 2020
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Paul
what swing flaws would be causing me tennis elbow (top of elbow) in my right arm
September 24, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Trail arm pain is usually over use of flexion going back coupled with improper release. Using the trail arm too much through the shot. Use the 3 Functions of the Right Arm and the Vijay Release Drill to help.
September 24, 2018
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Carl
I'm in line with Jacob. I'm right handed and my right elbow swells and gets sore. I have to ice it every time I'm done golfing. What causes the right elbow to inflame?
February 1, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Carl. Typically having too much flexion on the backswing and over use on the downswing. Make sure your trail arm isn't folding more than 90 degrees going back (3 Functions of the Right Arm). Also, (Vijay Release Drill) too start letting the trail arm/hand/elbow be more passive into the strike.
February 2, 2018
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Rocky
Is there certain drills I can do that will help with having my elbow pointing at the target at impact? Does the strength of your grip impact your elbow at impact?
January 8, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rocky. Overly strong would require more wrist rotation, but shouldn't be much of an issue. I would work on the Left Hand Release Drill and Left Elbow Alignments at Impact Video.
January 8, 2018
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Bryon
If I understand this right, at impact the lead elbow and back of the lead hand should both be pointing at the target. In this position my lead wrist has rotated almost as far as it can (without also turning elbow). Since the club needs still needs to continue to release after impact, how does the club continue to release? If my lead wrist can't rotate more, does this mean the lead elbow rotates after impact to allow the club to continue past the hands?
October 9, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Bryon. It will rotate a little as the arm swings from the shoulder socket to provide the ability to finish. Take a look at Moving the Fulcrum.
October 9, 2017
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Jacob
I have been battling golfers elbow for a few years now but it is on my right elbow. Will there be a video soon about the causes and fixes for that?
July 5, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jacob. I will be happy to check.
July 5, 2017
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Peter
Kudos to you for your discussion. Would that you began your work ~10 yrs or so ago, Tiger may have had a longer career, not to speak of countless others. Peter S K . MS MD
June 10, 2017
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Micah (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Peter. Completely Agree. Chuck actually had a discussion about that very topic right as Tiger underwent the swing change that resulted in his injuries.
June 10, 2017
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John G
Hi I have the same complaint as Paul. You tell us of a new video and "watch it now" - I log in and it's nowhere - surely it should be in "new videos". An annoying puzzle - you should correct. John
May 12, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello John. I apologize. The link is working correctly on my end. This sounds like a topic for tech support. I wish I could be of more assistance.
May 12, 2017
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Paul
I just got another email telling me to look at the latest video, "Trow for Power". When I go there, it ask me to log in and when I do this and look under latest video's, I just cant find them. What can I do to find these video's??
May 11, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Try in the search box "Throw the Club Head at the Golf Ball." Use the search box. If you can find a common word like "throw" it will list all videos with the word "throw" in the title.
May 11, 2017
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Paul
Thanks, I tried all this, still no results
May 12, 2017
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michael
I see a lot of pros appear to preset their left elbow so it is already pointing down the target line, is this ok? Then you don't have the extra movement of rotating the left arm going back, it is already where it should be at impact. More efficient to do this?
April 21, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Michael. Take a look at the Gorilla Grip Video. Ideally, you don't want to preset the position.
April 21, 2017
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Rod
Good video I also get elbow pain in my right elbow. Any help would be appreciated as it gets painful
April 20, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Rod. Take a look at the post below to Ray.
April 21, 2017
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Ray
Good to know. I have that problem from time to time, but with the right elbow. Any suggestions for that?
April 20, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ray. Trail arm pain is usually over use of flexion going back coupled with improper release. Too much trail arm usage through the shot. Use the 3 Functions of the Right Arm and the Vijay Release Drill to help.
April 21, 2017
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Claudia
Than you Chuck , what is the key to preventing Tennis Elbow in the lead arm?
April 20, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Claudia. Chuck is referring to the lead elbow in the video. Using the Left Elbow Position at Impact Video and the Left Hand Release Drill Video will help cure.
April 20, 2017
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Claudia
Thank you Craig but tennis elbow issues affect the the top side of the elbow whereas golfers elbow is the underside.
April 20, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Claudia. Typically, tennis elbow in the trail arm for the backswing is linked to the issue of adding too much flexion too soon and the amount being greater than 90 degrees. Do you tend to have any fold in the lead arm going back and/or coming down?
April 20, 2017
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Brenda
Thanks for this Chuck. I wish you could have taught this to one of my previous golf instructors. Even with every lesson being recorded on their video system, she did not notice that my elbow pits were pointed to the sky and after a year of this, I ended up with chronic golfers elbow. 'I' finally noticed and told her about it!! What a waste of money those lessons were :(
April 20, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Brenda. I'm sorry about the waste of money, time and pain. Hopefully, the RST System and this video have you on the path to recovery. Thanks for the positive compliments of the video.
April 20, 2017
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Edward
Very helpful Chuck. Thank you. Have you another on preventing damage to the left knee? Ed
April 20, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Ed. We don't have one pertaining to exactly the lead knee. But, I would check out Fixing Your Weight Transfer and Perfecting Lower Body Stability to make sure you are shifting properly combined with proper posting up.
April 20, 2017
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Peter
Edward, There are knees and knees. Some of us have a congenital anomaly, which makes the patella track medially (the inside of the leg) w/ flexion at the knee. You may have it too. No big deal, except if your knee is pointed behind the ball when you make your turn. In the extreme, the patella (Knee cap) can dislocate if you make the old Tiger Woods ("How I play golf") move--a forceful lateral rotation of the lead leg as a means to accelerate the hip turn. The solution: make sure your knee is pointed at or ahead of the ball when you go back. This will also help your hips from sliding to the right as you go back. Peter S K (peterskernnedymd@gmail.com)
June 10, 2017

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