Are you a golfer and want to prevent golf injuries? If the answer’s yes, check out this blog packed with tips on how to help keep any strains or injuries from getting between you and the perfect swing.
Common golf injuries
Golf is a great sport for both young and old. Walking the course can help keep up your step count and the golf swing is a very athletic movement involving the whole body, from head to toe. However, given its repetitive nature, and the fact that it’s a one-sided sport, it can put strain on certain parts of your body. And as golf is a sport that involves the entire body, if you’re not careful, you can be susceptible to a wide range of injuries. Lower back pain is the most common golf-related injury, followed by pain in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and ankles.
Tips for preventing golf injuries
If you’re worried about getting a golf injury, try incorporating these tips into your golfing practice. They will not only help ease the potential for strain, but could also help improve your chances of a better score too.
1. Warm Up
Professional golfers taking warming up very seriously and so should you, as it’s a great way to prevent golf injuries. Take a few minutes before teeing off to mobilise your hip and shoulder girdles with some gentle side-bends and a few back-and-forth swings without a club in your hand. In addition, try slowly bending from the waist and pushing your hips forward a few times. You can also check out Golf Digest’s ‘Golf warm up of 5 exercises that will get you ready for your round‘ article for more warm up ideas.
2. Perfect that swing
Next warm up your aim by getting your body used to the swinging motion before heading out on to the course. If you have time, head to the driving range to hit a few balls: start with a half-swing, then three-quarters, and by the time you arrive at the first tee, you’ll be good to go.
3. Shoe check
Stability is key when playing golf, especially when going for the big shots. There should be no excess movement in your shoes through the heel when you walk. Similarly, ensure your footwear doesn’t feel too loose or too tight through the front parts of the shoes – your toes need to be able to move.
4. Hydrate
Come rain or shine, it’s vital to keep drinking while out on the course especially if you’re playing an 18-hole game. Pack plenty of fluids and remember to drink little and often.
5. Caddying
If you’re carrying your own clubs, ideally you should carry your golf bag on two shoulders like a rucksack to avoid lower back pain. Even better, use a golf trolley – and consider using an electric one. And remember, the less energy you use transporting your clubs, the more you can dedicate to your game.
How we can help
Chiropractic and osteopathic treatment is popular with golf pros like Tiger Woods, who have regular treatment throughout the season. This is because, in addition to addressing any aches and pains golfers may have, chiropractors and osteopaths can also help improve mobility. In turn, this can help enhance golfing performance because if you have a full range of motion through your spine, you can make a fuller swing more easily. So if the tips above don’t help you keep golf related aches and pains at bay, or you would like to increase your mobility, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch for an appointment.