Prevent Golf Injuries
Looking to improve your golf game? Monroe Clinic and Monroe Country Club have partnered to offer golfers the Golf Performance Program. Appointments include one-on-one time with a golf pro and an athletic trainer or physical therapist. To learn more or to make an appointment, call Monroe Country Club at 325-3159.
Q. Since golf is a low-impact sport, do I even need to be concerned with injury prevention?>
A. Actually, yes. While you may not be colliding with your fellow players, injuries can still occur on the green. Golfing injuries often occur in soft connective tissues - especially in the upper body joints. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, you do run some risk of injury.
While experienced golfers who play regularly run a higher risk of overuse injuries, beginners or golfers who haven't played recently are more likely to injure themselves due to lack of conditioning. Another concern is poor swing techniques, which not only have a negative effect on a person's game, but also increase the likelihood of injury.
Generally speaking, the most common causes of pain and injury for golfers are:
Overuse: While regular practice is positive and can help prevent injury, you can also get too much of a good thing if you exhaust and weaken the muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Skipping warm-up: Even though you're not running a marathon, golfing still carries specific physical demands for which you should prepare your body.
Mis-hits or duffs: When you hit the ground, it's not just bad news for your game. The jarring effect can also cause aches, pains and tissue damage.
Poor swing mechanics: This issue covers a lot of ground, as there is plenty of potential for error in swinging a golf club. Some examples include over-swinging, twisting at the spin, and gripping the club incorrectly.
These common problems may manifest themselves anywhere in the body, whether it be back pain, aching shoulders or golfer's elbow. Even the lower body, such as the knees and hips, can suffer if you are not employing proper golf techniques.
Preventing Golf Injuries
Most golf injuries are avoidable - you simply need the right tools for the job. Golfers who know how to prevent injury are also better equipped to play to the best of their potential. Three key areas to focus on when considering injury prevention while improving your game are:
1. Effective swing mechanics: There are four phases of a golf swing: backswing, downswing, ball strike and follow-through. In order to play effectively and safely, you must know how to carry out each phase properly. Problems can occur during the backswing if you're twisting your spine, rather than rotating the shoulder and hip about the same amount. During follow-through, you'll want to keep the spin straight.
2. Proper equipment: Are your club grips a comfortable size and softness? Is the club the right length for your height? Each person's golf equipment should fit his/her personal needs and comfort.
3. Appropriate conditioning: Your body is your most powerful piece of equipment when playing golf. If you are not physically prepared for the job, you'll be more likely to commit swing errors and cause injuries. Remember, conditioning and warm-up aren't simply practicing your swing before you play. These are specific exercises to help tone, strengthen and prepare your body for the demands of your sport.
Golfing
Do's & Don'ts
Don't ignore your body's signals. If you experience reoccurring or ongoing pain, seek medical attention.
Do take advantage of an expert's advice. Even if you've been playing for years, you may benefit from valuable, professional resources, such as an athletic trainer, a golf pro or Monroe Clinic and Monroe Country Club's Performance Golf program.
Do warm-up. A little stretching, some walking and few practice swings can go a long way.
Don't forget your core. If you want to play to the best of your ability, your back, chest and stomach muscles are just as important as your neck, shoulders and arms.
Do remember that golf comes with its share of physical demands. It might appear to be a low-level physical activity, but every swing has the potential to impact your entire body. When conditioning, find a program that meets the needs of your whole body.
A. Actually, yes. While you may not be colliding with your fellow players, injuries can still occur on the green. Golfing injuries often occur in soft connective tissues - especially in the upper body joints. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, you do run some risk of injury.
While experienced golfers who play regularly run a higher risk of overuse injuries, beginners or golfers who haven't played recently are more likely to injure themselves due to lack of conditioning. Another concern is poor swing techniques, which not only have a negative effect on a person's game, but also increase the likelihood of injury.
Generally speaking, the most common causes of pain and injury for golfers are:
Overuse: While regular practice is positive and can help prevent injury, you can also get too much of a good thing if you exhaust and weaken the muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Skipping warm-up: Even though you're not running a marathon, golfing still carries specific physical demands for which you should prepare your body.
Mis-hits or duffs: When you hit the ground, it's not just bad news for your game. The jarring effect can also cause aches, pains and tissue damage.
Poor swing mechanics: This issue covers a lot of ground, as there is plenty of potential for error in swinging a golf club. Some examples include over-swinging, twisting at the spin, and gripping the club incorrectly.
These common problems may manifest themselves anywhere in the body, whether it be back pain, aching shoulders or golfer's elbow. Even the lower body, such as the knees and hips, can suffer if you are not employing proper golf techniques.
Preventing Golf Injuries
Most golf injuries are avoidable - you simply need the right tools for the job. Golfers who know how to prevent injury are also better equipped to play to the best of their potential. Three key areas to focus on when considering injury prevention while improving your game are:
1. Effective swing mechanics: There are four phases of a golf swing: backswing, downswing, ball strike and follow-through. In order to play effectively and safely, you must know how to carry out each phase properly. Problems can occur during the backswing if you're twisting your spine, rather than rotating the shoulder and hip about the same amount. During follow-through, you'll want to keep the spin straight.
2. Proper equipment: Are your club grips a comfortable size and softness? Is the club the right length for your height? Each person's golf equipment should fit his/her personal needs and comfort.
3. Appropriate conditioning: Your body is your most powerful piece of equipment when playing golf. If you are not physically prepared for the job, you'll be more likely to commit swing errors and cause injuries. Remember, conditioning and warm-up aren't simply practicing your swing before you play. These are specific exercises to help tone, strengthen and prepare your body for the demands of your sport.
Golfing
Do's & Don'ts
Don't ignore your body's signals. If you experience reoccurring or ongoing pain, seek medical attention.
Do take advantage of an expert's advice. Even if you've been playing for years, you may benefit from valuable, professional resources, such as an athletic trainer, a golf pro or Monroe Clinic and Monroe Country Club's Performance Golf program.
Do warm-up. A little stretching, some walking and few practice swings can go a long way.
Don't forget your core. If you want to play to the best of your ability, your back, chest and stomach muscles are just as important as your neck, shoulders and arms.
Do remember that golf comes with its share of physical demands. It might appear to be a low-level physical activity, but every swing has the potential to impact your entire body. When conditioning, find a program that meets the needs of your whole body.
