Golf Injuries and Physical Therapy
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Why Choose Golf?
The quick answer is Golf is a popular sport worldwide for people of all ages. The amateur golfer typically picks up the activity later on in life after individuals are unable to compete in high impact and high intensity activities. Now golf seems like a safe bet for those wanting to decrease the risk of injury; however, this sport can be just as harmful to the body as other sports (maybe not like football, hockey, and rugby.) The sport has evolved so much over the last two decades due to improvements in equipment and the evolution of modern golf course design. However, we want to help you prevent golf injuries.
Golf Injuries and Physical Therapy
Golf injuries and Physical Therapy
The average swing speed of a professional golfer on tour is about 113 mph and drives the ball 290 yds. An amateur will most likely not reach those speeds of the elite players, but can still generate around 70-90 mph and distance of 214 yards. So for someone to repeatedly swing at these speeds it is easy to see how one may create an injury. The majority of golf injuries usually occur in the low back and secondary in the shoulders and neck. Wrist and forearm injuries are also common with repetitive contact to the ball and ground.
Shoulder Injuries are Common Among Golfers.
Physical Therapy for Golf Injuries
For most of the general population, when someone feels pain they will stop the activity. This is usually to let the body heal. But once you start to feel better, you will go back to playing golf with the same swing that caused the pain in the past. With physical therapy, a professional will be able to assess weaknesses that may be the root cause of the pain.
Golf Biomechanical Analysis
The person’s swing can also be biomechanically analyzed. One of the main reasons for low back pain is poor mechanics during the swing. This person may present with what is called a reverse spine angle. This meaning the side bend of the upper body finishes in the opposite direction. Someone may finish in reverse spine for many reasons, but ultimately it is caused due to restrictions in the body limiting proper range of motion. If A golfer who does not have good mobility in their mid back, hips, and shoulders, or are unable to remain stable from their feet up through their lower body, they are endangering themselves and will create pain and injuries.
It is a great idea to have a team of a golf professionals for analyzing a swing, a physical therapist for your health and rehabilitation, and an exercise professional to maintain and build strength. With all three professionals working together, there is no doubt that the average golfer will improve their game and stay healthy. If you want to learn more about your biomechanics, follow the link: JOI Dartfish Swing Analysis. If you are interested in the Titleist Performance Institute follow this link.
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