TMJ Therapy Treatment: Symptoms & Solutions...
Key Highlights: TMJ therapy treatment is critical for suffers of…
Read MorePosted by Dr. Scott Wilson | 14-May-2019
With golf season underway, many of us are looking forward to finally getting back on the greens. Golf is an excellent way to get some exercise while enjoying the great outdoors. But despite the quiet tranquility of the golf course, this popular sport can have a violent impact on the spine. The repetitive motions associated with golf puts immense strain on the muscles, ligaments and bones. Aside from spinal damage, overuse injuries are also seen in the forearm, shoulders, elbows and back.
Many amateur golfers haven’t mastered the correct way to swing. When you combine golf’s complex twisting motions with an awkward stance and lack of balance, injury is bound to occur. If you’re inexperienced or have been off-course for quite some time, be cautious as to how you re-enter the sport. To avoid injury, follow our tips on getting back into the swing of things this golf season.
So many of us spend the winter months cooped up indoors with barely any exercise. Before heading back on the golf course, take some time to improve your general fitness. Cardiovascular exercise is a great way to enhance your endurance levels and get your body limber. Consider activities like swimming, jogging or even riding a stationary bike.
Focus on exercises that strengthen the lower body. In golf, stable hips and legs are key as your upper body rotates for a swing. Golf Digest has published an excellent cardiovascular workout that will help improve your game. The best part is you don’t have to invest in expensive gym equipment. A pair of good sneakers and a bit of commitment is all it takes to get your body primed for golf season.
If you’re already suffering from chronic pain or wear-and-tear issues, consider physiotherapy. A physiotherapist can help you recover, so you can get back on the green in no time by restoring function to key muscle groups through corrective exercises, manual therapy and clinical conditioning.
If you’ve never had a proper golf lesson, consider getting a coach to help you with technique. Correct form is crucial in avoiding spinal injuries, and minimizing damage to other areas of the body. A professional coach can offer technical assistance to develop or adjust your swing. Even if you’ve been playing with bad form for years, it’s never too late to re-learn the basics.
Physiomed offers programs that improve athletic performance. Our team of professionals can ensure your health isn’t getting in the way of your game. Strengthen your golf swing with our customized conditioning program that will assess:
With expert guidance, you’ll learn how to minimize stress on your spine as you engage in the swinging process. A professional coach can also help you maximize the power of your stroke. You’ll learn how to control your balance, when to shift your weight, and how to maintain a fluid sequence of movement from start to finish.
Warming up prepares your heart, lungs and muscles for the real strenuous work your body is about to do. Muscle elasticity is key for increasing strength and improving stability — two very important things for a successful game.
Start with five to 10 minutes of light activity, like walking around the golf course or gently swinging your club. To avoid injury to the spine, don’t forget to stretch your back muscles too:
If possible, take some practice shots before your game. Start with your wedge then work your way up to the driver. And remember, keep your warm-up sessions gentle. If you feel pain, then chances are you’ve stretched too far.
One of the best ways to prepare yourself for golf season is to set some goals. This will give you a sense of purpose as you hit the greens. Whether you want to perfect your long distance shot or finally hit that 250-yard drive, goals will help you set new boundaries and improve your overall game.
Just remember to keep your goals realistic and ensure they’re achievable. Otherwise, you’ll feel discouraged if you’re too far from ever meeting them. And treat yourself to a small reward each time you tick a goal off the list. Most importantly, remember to have fun. After all, half of golf is about spending the day with good friends and plenty of sunshine!
For more information on improving your golf game or to book an assessment, contact us here.
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