The most common injuries in golf are back pain; elbow tendinitis; rotator cuff or shoulder pain; knee pain and wrist injuries. Here are some tips to avoid these injuries if you are taking up golf or already a keen golfer. We hope you don’t get injured but we are able to help you at Blackberry Clinic with any of these injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. Our chiropractor, osteopaths or physios are all qualified to treat sports injuries caused by golf. After a full assessment and diagnosis a treatment and rehab programme will be made specifically for you. You may be prescribed exercises to do at home. If you don’t respond to manual treatment they can refer you to one of our Sport and Exercise Medicine doctors or Musculoskeletal Medicine doctors who offer injections to treat these injuries. The aim will be to get you back on the course in the shortest possible time!
The Open Golf Championship is one of the sporting highlights of the British Summer and it is a time when many are inspired to take up the sport or improve their game.
If you’ve been inspired to hit the fairways more this summer, or perhaps for the very first time, here are some top tips to keep any strains or injuries from getting between you and the perfect swing.
Top tips for better golfing health:
- Warm Up: make sure you warm up, as with any sport. You’d be surprised at how many new golfers don’t warm up properly before hitting the course. Especially, when you notice how seriously the professionals take this part of their day. Spend a few minutes warming up before teeing off by completing some mobility exercises for your hips and shoulder girdles. Some gentle side-bends and a few back-and-forth swings without a club in your hand are quite useful. Similarly, slowly bend from the waist and push your hips forward a few times to improve flexibility.
- Perfect that swing: Now once you’ve warmed your body up, warm up your aim by getting your body used to the swinging motion before heading out on to the course. Heading to the driving range first can be useful to hit even just a few balls: Start with a half-swing, then three-quarters, and by the time you arrive at the first tee, you’re good to go.
- Shoe check: Stability is key when swinging through a 250-yard drive! There should be no excess movement in your shoes through the heel when you walk. Similarly, ensure your footwear doesn’t feel too loose or especially too tight through the front parts of the shoes; your toes need to be able to move.
- Hydrate: it’s vital to keep hydrated while out on the course. Pack plenty of fluids and remember to take regular sips – it’s easy to forget when you’re focusing on your game!
- Build up your endurance: Start slowly and work on your golf fitness. Try to play regularly rather than not playing for a long time then setting off for 18 holes!
- Caddying: If you’re carrying your own clubs, ideally carry your golf bag on two shoulders like a rucksack to avoid lower back pain. Alternatively, use a golf trolley to avoid putting too much strain on your back and consider using an electric one. The less energy you use transporting your clubs, the more you can dedicate to your game. Lift and carry your clubs carefully to avoid back strain!
Incorporating just a few quick and easy practices into your pre-game routine can make all the difference and avoid injuries. It’s important to take care of your body by warming up and considering a few sensible additions to your routines.
Contact us on the website or call your local Blackberry Clinic if you are suffering from a golfing injury. For a list of our clinics click here.
