| The best way to
handle golf injuries is to prevent them. And the best way to prevent them
and stay pain-free is with proper exercise, easy stretches, proper warm-up
before your game, good posture and, if necessary, some changes in your
swing. The most common golf injury
is to the lower back, so our focus should be on back flexibility and
strengthening. First, we need to make sure our low back is properly
aligned.
Proper Posture
Posture reflects the underlying structure of your body. Improper
posture can cause damaging stress during activity. For example, if your
hips are misaligned, that represents a structural problem that needs to be
corrected to allow for proper golf motion and full strength. It doesn’t
matter how much exercise one does, the underlying structure needs to be
addressed, first.
The best way to correct posture is
through a chiropractic evaluation and adjustment to return normal
biomechanics and nerve supply to the body, permitting the body to heal
itself.
Some severe or chronic cases may require
specialized muscle work and a physical trainer to add to the chiropractic
care to restore proper posture.
A proper and powerful swing depends on a
properly aligned spine. That's why many professional athletes schedule
regular chiropractic care.
Heavy Golf Bags
· can be heavy enough to cause injury
· 14 or more clubs, plus golf balls and accessories can become very heavy
- 15 lbs, or more!
· invest in a hand pull cart
Stretching is
Key
· stretch before and after your game
· stiff hip and back muscle cause flawed mechanics
· proper warm up: start with easy stretches of legs, back and
arms/shoulders
· practice first with your pitching wedge with short, easy swings
Shorten Your
Swing
· A recent study indicated shortening the backswing may reduce trunk
muscle strain and prevent back injury without affection swing accuracy or
club head velocity.
Listen to Your
Body
If you experience pain during an activity – STOP!
Chronic back pain sufferers can use a neoprene back brace in the beginning
of the game to keep the muscles warm; remove after playing several holes
Keep Yourself
Hydrated
· dehydrated muscles are more susceptible to injury and spasms
· drink 6-10 glasses of water per day
|
