A popular past time during the hotter months is golfing! It is enjoyed by people from all walks of life and many clear an entire day to enjoy the swing of the golf club.
The game of golf can be frustrating on its;s own but what can be even worse is developing an injury from swinging the wrong way. This can affect other activities and you may not be able to play as well in the future.
When golfers play, they are very aware of the precautions to take and the consequences if they ignore the proper procedures.
Below are some of the most common gold injuries.
Golfers elbow – As described in the name this pain affects the elbow region, starting from the bony part on the inside of the elbow and then translating into pain you end up feeling in your forearm. While the injury can be caused by things other than golf, for golfers, it’s commonly caused by switching between a variety of grips and stances or gripping your club too tightly.
Lower Back Injury – Due to the frequent bends and maneuvers, lower back pain is one of the most common pain that golfers experience. The perfect golf swing is what all those who hit the links strive for, but even the perfect fundamental swing can wreak havoc on your lower back if you’re an avid golfer. Bending and other loose movement during the downswing can cause lower back pain. If you are looking for back alignment, you can check out our awesome services at Avenida Chiropractic! We will have you feeling better in no time!
Wrist pain – Hitting the ground first before making contact with the ball or simply taking a lot of swings in a limited amount of time can put a lot of strain on the wrist and cause injury.
Shoulder pain – Unless you are a professional golfer, chances are that you will swing incorrectly every once in a while. Using your arms too much while you swing is a common problem faced by the casual golfer. This causes irritation of your AC joint and of the front shoulder.
How do I prevent golfing injuries?
Swing Etiquette – You use your entire body to swing a golf club. Even on a regular 18-hole round, you’re swinging your clubs, on average, almost 100 times. If you don’t have the proper swing etiquette, that can take its toll on your body. The following swing corrections can help you avoid injury:
Use proper posture – Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and rotated slightly outward, and with your knees slightly bent. Avoid hunching over the ball, which may contribute to neck and back strain.
Transfer energy through your body smoothly – The power of a golf swing comes from force transferred smoothly through all the muscle groups. If most of the power is coming from one place, i.e. your back, wrists, shoulders, you are going to prone to injury.
Don’t over-swing – Many golfers, especially new ones, tend to think the harder they swing the further the ball will go. Swinging the club with maximum strength can cause a lot of stress on your joints. The best golfers have consistent, not necessarily the fastest, swing tempos.
Stretching – It may sound cliché, but a good stretch can do wonders in preventing injuries. Never go straight into any kind of physical activity without preforming some type of dynamic stretching first.
Take it slow – For beginner golfers, start out slow. You might start out thinking that taking hundreds of swings at your local driving range is helping your game. But if your body isn’t conditioned for the strain, repetitively practicing your golf swing may do more harm than good. Work up slowly to your desired level of activity.
Lift and carry your clubs carefully – The way you carry your bag can have a profound impact on your back and shoulders. (Yes, even if you prefer to travel by golf cart.) Sudden movements when you lift heavy clubs out of the trunk of your car and onto cart could result in you injuring yourself before you even tee off. Use proper lifting technique when lifting and carrying your clubs, which means keeping your back straight and using your legs to lift.
How can chiropractic help with injuries I got while golfing?
When you golf, it involves your whole body and that means a chiropractor would be the best person to see if you are frequently golfing! These methods, both preventative and post-injury, include:
- back alignment
- spinal adjustments
- rehabilitation exercises
- health & nutrition
If golf if is your hobby and you find yourself sometimes sore or having back pain, contact us at Avenida Wellness and our magical staff will give you the best treatment to get you swinging your best
