Springtime is here and summer is coming sooner than we know it! It’s time to prepare ourselves and our bodies for outdoor sporting. One sport known for getting us out and about in the beautiful weather is golf. Golf is known as a relaxing sport, but there are still so many ways one can hurt themselves.
It may seem like a low-level physical activity, but many injuries go undocumented when it comes to golf. Injuries can happen to many parts of the body, including the ankle, elbow, spine, knee, hip, and waist. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 55,000 visits to the hospital emergency room for golf-related injuries last year.
There are many ways to go about preventing a golf injury. One of the most important steps to take before engaging in golfing is to stretch—and to do it properly. Stretching will allow your muscles and ligaments to loosen up and make them less prone to injury. A proper warm-up consists of a light exercise like a brisk walk or jog. In addition to proper stretching, making sure that you have strength in your core muscles is very important. If your core is not in good shape, your body may overcompensate, leading to injury. Make sure that when you are golfing, you rotate your hips and your shoulders together. Avoid bending or hyperextending your spine.
Remembering to stay fit and engage in a proper warm-up can help immensely before golfing. While playing golf, sometimes less is more. Stay within your game, and don’t try to do too much. This may even improve your overall golf game and keep you out on the links.
Contact your nearest Access Physical Therapy & Wellness today to schedule an evaluation with a physical therapist.
