Golf Injuries: Avoiding Handicaps On and Off the Green

Contrary to public belief, golf is a full-body sport with the potential to strain nearly every joint from the neck to the ankles.

In a recent issue of The Health Journal Shiela Robison, MSPT, notes that some golf injuries are more notorious than others including: “‘golfer’s elbow,”‘ which refers to an inflammation and tendonitis on the inside of the elbow, “often related to improper wrist position and/or shoulder weakness,” back pain, caused by “rotational forces working against the spine,” and then a list of neck, shoulder, knee, hip, and ankle pains.

While overuse injuries can be seen across a variety of sports and activities, the head-to-toe movements required in golf make it that much more important for regular golfers to take preventative measures before hitting the green. Listening to your body and being aware of any nagging aches and pains can be the key to knowing when to pursue a physical therapist or golf expert.

Specialized treatment plans, like those available at Bon Secours Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine in Richmond, aren’t just designed for those recovering from a golf injury; they specialize in injury prevention. By improving a golfer’s swing with a golf swing analysis program, these performance specialists can help overcome weaknesses in newcomers and seasoned golfers alike.