03 Feb Time to Get the Clubs Out!
By Todd Rech
It is the time of year to pull out your golf clubs and start preparing for the upcoming season. Will this be the year that you make the elusive hole-in-one, or break 90, or win the club tournament? Whatever your goals are for the upcoming season, it is a good idea to prepare your body, and be as healthy as possible as you move into the new season.
Golf is a wonderful sport that can be pursued by people of all age ranges. Estimates indicate that there are over 25 million golfers in the United States. However, current literature indicates that up to 30% of all amateur golfers will incur a golf related injury. Golf injuries most commonly involve the spine, but can also occur in the wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips and knees.
Most golf injuries occur during the swing. The golf swing is a complex and controlled motion that involves large forces and large ranges of rotational movement that result in the development of substantial momentum. It is difficult for most amateur players to be consistent with the swing. Consequently, the demands of the swing, poor technique, and overuse may lead to injury.
Each body is unique, and not everyone moves in the same way, or even can move in the same way. The fact that we all move a little differently and swing differently explains why we have different types and degrees of injury.Physical therapists provide a unique skill set that enables us to assess an individual’s physical attributes or limitations such as strength, mobility and flexibility. Physical therapists are also experts in the field of musculoskeletal injuries making us a good choice to evaluate and treat golf related injuries.
If you are experiencing any nagging or new injuries or if you are concerned they might affect you in the upcoming season, I suggest making an appointment to see a physical therapist for an evaluation and consultation. Many times, instruction in some simple exercises can make a significant difference in pain or function.
I have been an avid golfer nearly my entire life (I should be a lot better considering the years and time playing)! I have enjoyed the game, and naturally gravitated toward an interest in golf specific injuries during my physical therapy career. My hope is that you have a healthy and successful 2017 golf season, but if you need some help with an injury or nagging issue, please consider getting in touch for a consultation.
