It may look like a slow and innocuous game played at a snail's pace, but that is deceiving. Some may treat it like a "mental game," ignoring the body mechanics required. But if you properly analyze the positions and moves, it becomes obvious that golf involves the whole body, head to toe. That means there are numerous golf injury possibilities. The weekend golfer may be more prone to adopt an incorrect stance or to move in ways that cause trauma. More experienced golfers are more likely to suffer pain from overuse of certain joints or muscles.
Let's take a look at some of the more common issues.
- Back injury. About 80% of all Americans at some point experience back pain and that number is higher for golfers. Standing bent over and going through the rotation of a swing for hours at a time can set you up for serious injury. The key to minimizing this is core strengthening and stability.
- Golfer's or tennis elbow. Injury and inflammation to the inner tendon is golfer's elbow, while injury to the outer tendon is tennis elbow. Oddly enough, more golfers experience tennis elbow than golfer's elbow.
- Wrist and hand sprains. The repetitive motion, speed, and impact are the reasons for wrist injuries. Resting it and improving the swing can help decrease this pain.
- Shoulder: rotator cuff irritation. You might hit a rock, or have a deep divot into the ground. You might have a poorly executed swing. You could have overused your shoulder muscles. Any of these can cause tendinitis, bruises, or tears to the rotator cuff.
- Knee: anterior knee and medial joint stress. The knees may be incorrectly used to stabilize the body's rotation, causing pain or torn ligaments.
Golf and Chiropractic Medicine
A chiropractor is a golfer's best friend. Improved golf performance is based on physical fitness and conditioning, and a clear understanding of the use and limitations of anatomy. Pulled muscles respond to chiropractic manipulation, and improve with stretching, strengthening, and passive modalities. The chiropractor can realign the spine and restore good posture. All inflammation must be eliminated which may require a period of rest and adjustments. Treatments the chiropractor can use include hot or cold compresses, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, massage, orthotics, and a program of exercises and stretching.
You may not be on a PGA tour, but you likely do want to improve your game. Joining forces with a chiropractor can prevent golf injury, promote recovery, and improve your golf performance.
Contact Us At Advanced Family Chiropractic & Rehabilitation in Imperial, MO !
Advanced Family Chiropractic and Rehabilitation is located at 5207 Warren Road, Imperial, MO 63052. Call us at (636) 464-5900 to set up your evaluation today!
