Common Golf Injuries

Golf requires lots of effort, time, and skill. While people of all ages love this sport, the forceful nature of the swing can put significant stress on your body and potentially lead to injuries. Our team at Island Sports Physical Therapy would like to discuss some of the common golf injuries and how they can be treated, so continue reading to learn more. 

Common Golf Injuries

Since golf is a non-contact and low-impact sport, it seems like there would be minimal risk of injury. However, any avid golfer can tell you that this sport comes with its unique variety of aches and pains. Sudden injuries like strains and sprains are a factor, but these issues are less common for golfers. The most common golf injuries stem from repetitive movements, improper form and body mechanics, and untreated soft tissue injuries that worsen with repeated stress. 

The actions in golf involve grip, foot placement, and rotation in the swing, so the most common injuries are in the joints and lower back. Here are some of the most common golf injuries:

• Back Pain – The body’s rotation during a swing can place considerable stress on the spine and supporting muscles. Golfers often spend hours in a bent position and repeat the same movement several times throughout the day. Golf can lead to strains in the back that can easily lead to more severe injuries. 
• Knee Pain – When golfing, the knees need to stabilize the rotation of your hips at the beginning of the swing. Knee pain can arise from strain placed on weak knees. 
• Golfer’s Elbow – Golfer’s elbow is a form of tendinitis that commonly affects the elbow. This injury occurs due to repetitive movements that increase strain on the tendons in the elbow. Golfer’s elbow can become aggravated by improper technique. 
• Rotator Cuff Injuries – You may experience pain in your upper arm or shoulder at all swing stages or after play. Overuse, improper technique, and taking a deep divot can result in injuries to the rotator cuff. 
• Wrist Injuries – The swing speed can place your wrists at a higher risk of injuries. Many golfers experience tenderness and pain at the top of the wrist. 
• Hip Injuries – The hips are highly mobile and capable of withstanding significant stress, but the hip joint is also vulnerable during gold. During a swing, your hip is subjected to repeated forces that require great muscle control. These rotational and shear forces cause injuries like groin strains and lower back injuries. 

An injury can quickly rob you of enjoying this popular sport, whether you’re a casual or avid golfer. Fortunately, our team at Island Sports Physical Therapy can help you recover from injuries and keep your body running smoothly. 

Treating Golf Injuries

Physical therapy for golf injuries aims to help golfers implement proper body movement and biomechanics to eliminate current pain, avoid injury, and improve the quality of the golf swing. Our physical therapists will work with you to address your pain, improve joint mobility and flexibility, enhance your balance, and increase strength overall. Some of the elements of physical therapy for golfers include:

• Manual therapy for pain reduction. 
• Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve overall muscle strength. 
• Proper technique instruction to decrease stress on the joints. 
• Balance enhancing exercises. 

Our team at Island Sports Physical Therapy will evaluate your mechanics to address any issues and develop a custom treatment plan. Your treatment will address your specific injury or the issues impacting your performance. Our specialists will guide you to help improve your mobility, stability, strength, and power to improve your overall performance. 

Contact Us

Island Sports Physical Therapy offers advanced rehabilitation services to tend to injured golfers, work on their individual fitness needs, and help prevent future injury. To learn more about treatment for golf injuries and our other physical therapy services, be sure to contact us today!