Why Do I Get Elbow Pain During My Follow Through?

Elbow pain during your follow through often feels like a sharp grab or sudden soreness as the arm finishes extending because repeated swinging has stressed the muscles and tendons around the elbow.

You may swing comfortably through most of the motion and then suddenly feel the elbow complain as the club finishes its path. The pain often appears at the end of the swing rather than at impact, making it feel like something is wrong only during that specific moment.

The follow through places the elbow under a different demand than the rest of the swing. Instead of generating speed, the arm is helping control and finish the movement. If the area has been stressed by repeated practice, multiple rounds, or recent overuse, that final phase can become surprisingly uncomfortable.

The Pain Hits Right As The Swing Finishes

You may feel a brief stab, pull, or grabbing sensation as the club wraps around your body.

The elbow often feels fine early in the swing and then suddenly hurts during the finishing motion. This commonly happens when the muscles that support the elbow become fatigued and struggle to handle repeated swings comfortably.

The Elbow Starts Complaining More As You Keep Playing

You may notice the follow through feels worse later in the round than it did at the beginning.

Early swings may feel normal, but the pain can gradually build as repetition adds up. The elbow becomes more sensitive with each swing, making the finish of the motion feel increasingly stiff, sore, or restricted.

Managing Tissue Stress, Circulation, and Recovery

Pain that keeps returning during movement, after activity, or once the body cools down often means the injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, or nearby connective tissues are still recovering from repeated strain. When an area stays tight, restricted, or painful with normal movement, the tissues may not be moving or recovering as smoothly as they should.

Repeated stress can also leave circulation slower around the injured area, making it harder for oxygen, nutrients, and excess tissue fluids to move normally through the tissues. Over time, this can leave the area feeling stiff, weak, tight, or easier to aggravate during repeated movement and activity.

Topical Recovery Support

For acute injuries with pain, swelling and inflammation, some people apply Acute Sinew Liniment to help relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, and increase blood flow to injured tissues to support faster recovery and a quicker return to activity. Some also use it alongside Sinew Herbal Ice to help speed up the recovery process and restore normal circulation and range of motion.

For ongoing pain, stiffness, or slow-healing areas after swelling and inflammation have subsided, some people apply Chronic Sinew Liniment to help relieve pain, stimulate circulation, and support recovery in overstretched tendons and ligaments. Some also pair it with Sinew Injury Poultice to further stimulate circulation and support deeper tissue recovery in areas with persistent pain and stiffness.

To warm up muscles, reduce tightness, and improve flexibility before or after activity, some people apply Sinew Sports Massage Oil to help increase circulation, prepare muscles for movement, relieve tightness, and support flexibility after activity.

Safety Notes

This article provides general educational information about the topic described above.

Persistent, severe, or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my elbow only hurt during the follow through?

The finishing phase of the swing can place extra stress on a tired or irritated elbow, making symptoms appear at that specific moment.

Can overuse cause elbow pain during my follow through?

Yes. Repeated swings over time commonly lead to soreness that becomes noticeable during the end of the swing.

Why does the pain get worse as the round goes on?

The elbow may become more fatigued with repetition, causing symptoms to build throughout the day.

Should I stop playing if my elbow hurts during every follow through?

If the pain is recurring or worsening, reducing activity and allowing recovery time is often helpful.

Can elbow stiffness affect my follow through?

Yes. Reduced flexibility and lingering tightness can make the finishing portion of the swing feel uncomfortable or restricted.