Compared to other sports, golf may seem like it’s not as physically demanding with only a minimal chance of sustaining injuries. There may not be a lot of running, falling, being tackled or breath holding, but golf does cause a considerable amount of wear and tear – especially on the joints.

With spring well and truly here and daylight saving due to start soon, many are getting more rounds of golf in each week so I thought I’d share some tips from Dr. Soheila Ghaziaskar D.C., Q.M.E., C.M.U.A.

Common golf injuries

The most common golf-related injuries are on the wrist, the elbow and the lower back. These are the areas that are most engaged when swinging a golf club. The shoulder, knee and neck are other areas that are often exerted during golf, resulting in injuries. These make up about 80% of golf related injuries that golfers seek treatment for, more so to the soft tissue. Apart from pain, golfers may also experience tenderness and/or numbness in the hands and arms, swelling and inflammation of the elbow which is called golfer’s elbow and wrist injuries which are medically referred to as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Treating golf-related injuries

Golfers take varying approaches to treating their injuries. Most simply stay off the golf course for a while, with only a few seeking medical attention.  Not seeking medical attention risks their untreated injuries becoming incapacitating when they return to play or completed any strenuous activity.

Treating golf-related injuries through chiropractic

Chiropractic will get hands on, so to speak, with golf related injuries. With golf-related injuries, a chiropractor will not only treat the sore joint, limb or muscle but the entire spine to not only treat the existing ailment but also prevent others by restoring the body’s posture, spinal alignment and muscle strength as the golfer will keep using and straining certain limbs and joints. Specific injuries are treated using a number of methods, with adjustments and massage.

To achieve optimum results, a chiropractor will also take a patient’s details like their history and habits to give them an idea of their lifestyle. They will use this information to recommend lifestyle changes such as exercise and fitness routines, the best diet for the patient and they might recommend supplements like vitamins or minerals.

Minimizing Golf-Related Injuries

The following recommendations are some tips to manage and prevent golf-related injuries:

• Ease into the sport after a long period of rest or not engaging in any physical activities.
• Use the right equipment such as golf shoes and supportive bands on much-used areas like the arms, knee and elbow.
• Swing correctly and don’t overuse the wrists too much in an attempt to hit the ball as far as possible.
• Don’t hunch too much as this heightens the likelihood of straining the neck and shoulders.
• Warm up and stretch before teeing off to avoid injuries arising from sudden exertion on limbs and muscles when they are still tight.

While golf is a gentle form of sport, it can cause a host of injuries much like other physically demanding sports. Whether playing professionally or for recreation, ensuring optimum health is crucial.

The Chiropractic Central team is happy to speak to your golf club’s members to discuss proper warm-up and stretching techniques.

Regards,

Dr Sarah MacNeil

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