In recent years, chiropractic care for golfers has gained recognition for their ability to assist in optimizing their performance and facilitating a swift recovery from or even prevent golf-related injuries.
Golf is a physically demanding sport that requires a combination of strength, flexibility, and proper body mechanics. The repetitive nature of the sport played with enough frequency or a casual approach to the activity on even one occasion can lead to orthopedic injuries that can sideline a career or a favourite pastime.
This article will explore the most common golf-related injuries, what causes them and how chiropractors can treat them. We will also discuss how chiropractors can help you improve your swing technique, enhance your mobility, manage pain, and prevent injuries in the first place.
Table of Contents
- Most common golf injuries and chiropractic treatments
- Chiropractic care for golfers
- Enhanced mobility and flexibility
- Pain management
- Golf injury prevention
- Improving swing technique
- Golf warm-up exercises
- Conclusion
Most Common Golf Injuries & Chiropractic Treatments
Statistics Canada estimates that there are approximately 1.5 million golfers in Canada. According to Azielah et al. (2021), 7 out of 10 amateur golfers and 9 out of 10 professional golfers will experience an injury related to golf during their lifetimes. These stark numbers show the importance of both preventative and responsive treatment for anyone that participates in this sport.
As determined by Azielah et al. (2021), the two most common causes injuries among golfers are not enough warm up before playing a round (38.3%) followed by inappropriate swing technique (36.1%). These two factors cause almost three quarters of golf injuries making it important to determine how these habits can be improved upon.
Interestingly amateur golfers most commonly experience injury due to improper swing technique. Whereas professional golfers’ injuries are most commonly caused by the repetitive motions involved with the sport.[i]
Here are some common golf-related injuries that can be treated by a chiropractor:
1) Lower Back Pain
As outlined by Azielah et al. (2021), the most common injury experienced by participant golfers was lower back strain at 23.5%. Golfers often experience lower back pain due to the repetitive twisting and rotational movements involved in the golf swing.
Chiropractors can assess and treat conditions such as muscle strains, spinal misalignments, and facet joint dysfunction that contribute to lower back pain. It is important that this back pain is treated right away so that it does not become chronic in nature.[ii]
A common treatment for lower back pain is spinal realignment. During this treatment, the chiropractor will have you lie face down on the table while they use their hands to push joints beyond their normal range of motion.[iii]
2) Wrist and Hand Injuries
The same study showed that the second most common golf related injury are wrist sprains (17.5%). Golfers are susceptible to wrist and hand injuries, including tendonitis, sprains, or fractures.
Chiropractors can assess and treat these conditions through various methods, such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue therapies, bracing, and ergonomic recommendations. They can also provide rehabilitative exercises and guidance to promote healing and restore strength and mobility in the affected wrist or hand.
Specifically, wrist realignment and wrist stretching can be used as effective treatments. Much like lower back realignment, wrist realignment puts your bones back into their correct place which reduces inflammation and pain. Wrist stretching, including hand clenching, can also be used to reduce inflammation.[iv]
3) Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder muscle strains are the third most common golfing injury (12.6%). Golfers may experience shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff strains, impingement syndrome, or labral tears.
Chiropractors can assess the shoulder joint and surrounding structures to identify any misalignments or imbalances that may contribute to these injuries. They may utilize adjustments, mobilizations, therapeutic exercises, and other modalities to restore proper shoulder mechanics, reduce pain, and improve function.
When it comes to shoulder injuries, they often occur at two joints. The first is the acromioclavicular joint. This is the joint connecting the collarbone to the shoulder blade. The second is the glenohumeral joint which is the connection between the upper arm bone and the shoulder socket.
Chiropractors commonly use articulatory techniques to treat shoulder pain. This entails moving the joint through its current range of motion and extending beyond this range to increase shoulder mobility.[iv]
Chiropractic Care for Golfers
Chiropractic care for golfers focuses on the musculoskeletal system, emphasizing the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Golfers subject their bodies to repetitive motions and considerable physical stress, which can lead to imbalances, misalignments, and reduced joint mobility. Chiropractic care can address these issues and contribute to improved golfing performance and injury prevention.
Enhanced Joint Mobility and Flexibility
Chiropractors employ various techniques, including spinal adjustments, joint mobilization, and soft tissue therapies, to restore joint mobility and flexibility. By aligning the spine and correcting joint dysfunction, golfers can achieve a full range of motion and greater flexibility, leading to improved swing mechanics and increased power generation. Enhanced joint mobility can also reduce the risk of injuries associated with repetitive motions, such as tendonitis or strains.
Pain Management
Golfers often experience musculoskeletal pain due to the repetitive nature of the sport. Chiropractic care can provide effective pain management by addressing the root causes of discomfort. Chiropractors may utilize therapies such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or cold laser therapy to alleviate pain and promote healing.
Golf Injury Prevention
By correcting imbalances and optimizing joint function, chiropractic care can help prevent future injuries and promote long-term musculoskeletal health. Seeking out the assistance of a chiropractor is an excellent way to prevent injuries from happening so that you can enjoy the golf season worry free.
Improving Swing Technique
Often times, improper golf technique can be caused by untreated injuries throughout the body. Whether these injuries are from playing golf repeatedly or from other activities, a chiropractor can help correct these issues which will help you improve your swing technique.
A chiropractor can enhance your spinal mobility and range of motion. This prevents unnecessary strain on muscles and joints. Being able to move more freely can also help you improve your posture while addressing the ball.
Most importantly, improving your joint flexibility has a direct positive impact on the mechanics of your swing. You will be able to swing with better form, greater speed, and more accuracy and consistency. Anyone who has ever played golf knows all too well how important accuracy and consistency are to the game.
Although seeing a chiropractor pre-emptively reduces the chances of golf related injuries, they may still occur due to the repetitive nature of the sport. Chiropractors are trained to treat these injuries using a variety of methods.[vi]
Golf Warm-Up Exercises
Here are some warm up exercises that your chiropractor might recommend trying to warm up the appropriate muscles in preparation for your golf swing.
1) Low Back Stretch
Lay on your back and pull one knee to your chest. To get more of a stretch pull your leg across your body (towards your opposite shoulder). Hold your stretch for 30 seconds and complete two on each side.[vii]
2) Resistance Band Swings
Perform a shallow squat, engage the abdominals and lean forwards slightly. Using a resistance band hold one end of the band between your knees and use the other hand to pull the band up in a swinging motion. Complete 2 sets of 10 repetitions on each side.[viii]
3) Golf Swings
Assume a swing stance and fold your arms across your chest. Mimic the swing phase by rotating the hips and torso but leaving the arms stationary. Make the movements short and quick, and as similar to a real swing as possible. The last phase of your warmup should include full swings, working from slow to real-speed swings.[ix]
Conclusion
Chiropractic care for golfers offers valuable tools for enhancing performance and recovering from golf-related injuries. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment, joint mobility, and pain management, providing golfers with improved flexibility, posture, and overall musculoskeletal health.
By incorporating chiropractic care into their golfing routines, players can optimize their performance on the course, prevent injuries, and facilitate a faster recovery when injuries do occur. Golfers who prioritize their musculoskeletal health through these services can experience improved swing mechanics, increased power generation, reduced pain, and ultimately, a more enjoyable and successful golfing experience.
References
[i] Azielah, Amy Nurul, et al. “Prevalence of golf-related injuries among recreational golfers: A preliminary finding.” Healthscope 4.1 (2021): 60-65.
[ii] Chiropractors Help Lower Back Strain Recovery. Retrieved May 29, 2023, from Innovative Rehab Chiropractic & Massage. (n.d.).
[iii] Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, September 30). Chiropractic adjustment. Mayo Clinic.
[iv] How Does A Chiropractor Heal Wrist Pain? [web log]. Retrieved May 29, 2023, from Scanlon, M. (n.d.).
[v] How Can A Chiropractor For Shoulder Pain Help Me? [web log]. Retrieved May 29, 2023, from arizonapain. (2022, February 24).
[vi] How Chiropractic Care Can Improve Your Golf Swing. Retrieved May 29, 2023, from Dean, J. (2023, April 18).
[vii] A Golfer’s Warm-Up [web log]. Retrieved May 29, 2023, from Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre. (n.d.).
[vii] Chiropractors Help Lower Back Strain Recovery. Retrieved May 29, 2023, from Innovative Rehab Chiropractic & Massage. (n.d.).
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