For many people, golfing is an excellent way to enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise! Before you hit the links, join James Gualtieri, PT, DPT to learn the answers to some common questions golfers ask their physical therapists.
How can I prevent back pain while golfing?
Back pain on the golf course can be avoided and prevented with proper warm up and stretching to allow the flexibility needed in the swing. Another great way to avoid back pain is to get a free movement screen from your skilled physical therapist to address posture and joints that could be affecting your swing.
How should I grip the club to avoid injury, especially in the upper extremities?
Your golf grip could be compensated or altered if you are experiencing carpal tunnel or wrist pain. For best results and limited stress on hands, elbows, and shoulders you should strive for this look and grip at set up.
Do you really need to stretch before golf?
Yes. Golf is a game of a long rotational swing that generates club head speed to be able to make “proper” impact with the ball and impact the direction that the ball will travel. Limitations in any of these joints (Spine, hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle) will negatively impact distance and accuracy of the golf game. Inflexibility can also lead to compensation that could result in a muscle tear or tendinitis. Watch the video below for a few stretches you can do right on the course!
How can physical therapy improve my golf game?
Physical therapists are skilled at evaluating and treating issues with your muscles, skeleton, and posture. This allows us to identify key areas that need work and enables us to help patients improve movements such as the golf swing.
What are the most common golf related injuries that you treat?
Most golfers seek skilled physical therapy for low back pain that lead to knee pain that prevents not only the enjoyment of the golf swing but limits their mobility to walk to their ball. Another common injury is medial (or lateral) epicondylitis. You may have heard the term “Golfer’s elbow” and this can become a long-term and chronic issue if it is not addressed quickly. Please don’t delay in seeking treatment if you feel elbow pain when you start swinging the club this spring.
Call your local ACCESS PT office today to schedule an evaluation. We’d love to help get you back to feeling your best, and back on the course!
