Especially for Golfers

Are you a Golfer? We are, so there's a special place in our practice for golfers and related injuries. Although there may not be as many traumatic injuries on the links, overuse syndromes, tendonitis, bursitis, strains and sprains - just to mention a few - often aggravate the golfing population.

Recently, we attended a golf injury prevention clinic. The clinic focused on common problems both on and off the course that can potentially cause injury. The following are the most common injuries which result from mechanical problems in the swing. If you can identify with any of these problems, a golf lesson may help reduce your chance of injury. Another way to lessen injuries is to have a chiropractic evaluation which will aid you in understanding any biomechanical problems you have in your body.

Inadequate warm-up can cause muscle strain.
Incorrect Stance can cause knee ligament/knee cap damage, leg/back strain.
Excessive rotation of forearms/hands can cause golfer's elbow, forearm, hand and wrist pain.
Improper posture or balance can cause low back/neck strain.

If you are injured and pain persists for more than 2 days, see a Doctor of Chiropractic to screen for a more serious injury.

Special points of interest:

The golf swing is not "bad" on the spine or any joint.
Only .0001% of golfers ever shoot par.
Chiropractors deal with golf-related injuries very effectively.
If you are injured or pain persists for more than 2 days, see a Chiropractor.

The most common injuries in golf are back injuries. Most of these injuries are simply muscle, ligament or joint strains that can be treated effectively if caught early. Changing technique and equipment can help golfers with chronic (long-term) back pain play around with the injury - it will not help correct the problem though. Constant bending over causes extreme stress on the muscles and joints of the lower back. The use of newer and longer clubs can allow your body to remain closer to the upright position and help relieve stress on your back. The elbow is the most commonly injured area. Golfer's elbow is an inflammation of the tendons which allow the elbow to flex (bend). Treatment consists of ice, rest, adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and stretching. The chiropractor will also suggest that you take stress off your forearm and elbow while playing and you may have to use a elbow brace.