Golf is a great sport, but the very nature of the game means hours of stress all over your body. Due to the repetitive motions required to execute the perfect swing, we see our share of common golf back injuries — among others — at West Pennant Hills Physio.
Torso injuries
If you have suffered a golf back injury, a hip, shoulder or golf rib injury, a visit to our clinic will help alleviate your discomfort through treatments that are specifically tailored to your injury. A common golf injury is side strain, while back injuries and other golf-related ailments may contribute to hip problems. You may require golf hip injury treatment, and executing the proper back treatment will help to support you as you heal. This is why we recommend you seek professional treatment, as opposed to just applying topical relief. We determine the cause of your discomfort, treating the painful area and the root cause of the injury to minimise the likelihood of recurrence.
Lower back strain
The lower back is often injured in golf due to an incorrect swing technique. The pain often gradually builds up over time, and is due to prolonged periods spend hunched over the club, accompanied by the rotational stresses you put onto your back as you swing. It is important to strengthen your core so that your spine is better supported. Having your swing technique checked by an instructor would be useful to ensure you aren’t placing unnecessary stress through your lower back.
Rotator cuff
The rotator cuff comprises of the four stabilising muscles in the shoulder. You can end up with an overuse injury such as tendinitis or bursitis, or you may end up with an impingement injury in which the inflammation takes up space in the shoulder meaning that the muscles and tendons are unable to move as freely. To prevent rotator cuff injuries, you should regularly stretch and strengthen your shoulders, and ensure you have correct from while playing.
Golfer’s elbow
As the name suggests, golfer’s elbow is a common injury suffered by golf players. It refers to tendinitis of the tendon on the inside of the elbow. It is an overuse injury that results in pain and inflammation of the tendon. You may be required to have a break from golf to allow the tendon to heal. To prevent it from recurring you will need to strengthen the muscles in your elbows and wrists, and ensure your swing technique is not placing unnecessary stresses through your forearms.
Knee pain
Golfer’s can also suffer from knee pain. It is due to putting excess stress and strain on the knee as you rotate your hips at the beginning of a swing. To prevent knee pain, make sure you regularly stretch your calves, hamstrings and quads before starting a round of golf. Wear supportive shoes which have a good arch support.
A full-body sport
Due to the nature of golf, your entire body can be susceptible to injury, including your knees and golf foot injuries that require specific treatments. You may require golf elbow injury treatment or even treatment for a golf trigger finger injury. Your hands and wrists undergo considerable pressure when golfing, particularly if you misplay a ball. Treatments for this include golf wrist injury exercises to aid in the strengthening of your wrists and hands.
Tips for preventing golfing injuries
Check your swing:
The golf swing is a complex movement that involves the entire body. If performed incorrectly, it can place unnecessary strain on your muscles which can result in an overuse injury. If you are new to golf, you should seek advice from a coach and have a few lessons to ensure you have the right technique. Even if you have played golf for many years but are experiencing pain, it might be worth having a refresher lesson to check up on your form.
Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and rotated slightly outwards, and knees should be slightly bent. Your trunk should be tilted forward, but this movement should come from the hips, rather than hunching through your lower back. The swing should be smooth and
Warm up:
Before you get straight into a round of golf, it is important to warm up your body. Spend 10-15mins doing some stretches, going for a brisk walk, and swinging the golf club a few times slowly.
Maintain good strength and endurance:
Strong muscles are better able to cope with the demands placed on them, meaning they are less likely to be injured. You should be performing strengthening exercises for your shoulders, lower back and wrists to help prevent injury.
Our physiotherapists are highly qualified in the area of treating and preventing sports injuries, so you can return to the golf course — pain-free and stronger than ever before. Contact us for a consultation to discover what we can do to help you comfortably enjoy the sport you love.
If you play golf and are experiencing any niggles or pain, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Give us a call on +61 02 9875 3760 or email info@wphphysio.com.au.