Golf Injury Prevention Tips

Golf Injury Prevention Tips

Posted Jul 10, 2012 by MSP Clinic

Posted In: Ask the Physiotherapist, Back Pain, baseball, Clinic News, Contests, Ergonomics, foot pain, Golfing, Health & Wellness, Leg Injury, Local News, Manual Therapy, Neck Pain, Nutrition, Osteoporosis, Patient Study, Physiotherapist Advice, Physiotherapy, Running, Services, Shoulder Injury, Soccer, Sports, Sports Injury, Sprains, TPI Assessment,

Our very own, Aart van Gorkum is the Golf Poster Boy for the PABC calendar & website this month!! Visit the site to see pictures of Aart in action and also to pick up some valuable tips on golfing and injury prevention.

PABC Golfing Tips. Visit Website

Golf is a sport that British Columbians of all ages enjoy. Plus, the mild climate in many parts of BC allows golf enthusiasts to hit the links year round. Like any sport, it’s possible to become injured while golfing. This is especially true if players don’t take the time for a proper warm up. A dynamic warm up allows golfers to gradually warm up the body’s tissues in preparation for swinging activities. This can improve performance and help to prevent muscle strains and joint sprains.

If you feel pain during or after golf, a physiotherapist can help.

Golf Tips to prevent injury, alleviate pain and keep you moving for life.

1. Activate with a general warm up. Start with 5-10 minutes of large muscle activity such as a brisk walk, stair climbing or a stationary bike ride before you play. Then, do some mini squats (holding on to your golf club for balance) and mini lunges to help lubricate stiff hips, knees and ankle joints.
2. Do a swing specific warm up. A sport specific, dynamic warm-up allows for optimal performance and injury prevention. Arm and leg swings and torso twists will help warm up your shoulders, hips and back. Do a sequence of practice swings before hitting any balls, starting with a half swing and gradually increasing to a full swing.
3. Ensure proper postural alignment. Do your posture a favour and reduce the amount of equipment in your golf bag. And, your physiotherapist can help you avoid incorrect postural alignment at the shoulders and torso, or hips and legs that can lead to poor or inconsistent shots.
4. Deactivate after your golf game. Loosening up tight tissues by stretching in the whirlpool or shower will help regain and maintain muscle length. Self-massage can help decrease painful tension and ice can help minimize inflammation and pain.