Injured Golfers Getting “Back To Play”

According to The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, one third of all PGA golfers experience low back pain lasting longer than two weeks. Another study suggests that at least half of all golf injuries occur in the parking lot when players lift their clubs out of their trunk. Some physical therapy clinics have put together programs designed to prevent and treat golf related injuries. Regardless of your level of expertise, back (or other) injuries can be devastating to any golfer, and might even mean the end of the season. Golf expert Greg Rowley, author of “Golf: Naked” states, “far too many golfers think they can simply play through pain – but they shouldn’t do that. For one reason, continued repetition can cause an injury to get much worse. For another, playing with an injury can cause a player to develop poor habits as compensations to avoid pain.” Rowley continues, “I suffered from a chronically sore left hip, the result of a very common swing-flaw, before I went to Pinnacle Physical Therapy. But after going through the battery of tests that diagnosed the problem, and adhering to the recommended training regimen, I now play completely pain free. What’s more, I drive the ball longer than ever before.” Many golfers do not realize that these types of results can be obtained and that they can regain their confidence in their golf swing.
A golf-related physical therapy assessment can be advantageous. A player’s swing and follow through will be evaluated and critiqued. A physical therapist will also evaluate a player’s daily activities that may affect their game. With physical therapy treatment, a player can learn to make the correct pivots and muscle movements in order to obtain optimal playing. With physical assessments, an exercise program can be created in order to keep the player reaching their goals. Flexibility is also key! In order to obtain and maintain flexibility in your game, the right stretching program can be the cornerstone of a good golf game.
Preparation before a golf game should include some physical activities to activate the muscles surrounding your golf game. With physical therapy, the appropriate pre-round physical warm-up can be designed just for your game. With a proper pre-round warm up golfers can avoid fatigue, pain, and possible injuries.
In conclusion, physical therapists have the unique training to properly educate golfers on specific areas that will improve flexibility and simple ways to avoid fatigue and injuries. Although some golfers will see the benefit in spending exorbitant amounts of money on golf equipment, they fail to see the benefit of one-on-one education and training with a licensed physical therapist who can properly equip them with tools to improve their golf game. This will not only prevent injuries, but will shave strokes off their game. Most golfers chose this sport in order to slow down and enjoy their quality of life. Physical setbacks should not rob golfers of their love for the game.
So the next time you’re playing golf or any sport you love, remember that with physical therapy you can get back to play and back to life.