If You Want to Avoid Golf Injuries, Shape Up!

Sports injuries happen to both pros and amateurs alike, and they can happen in any type of sport. Even when you know what to look out for, sometimes an injury in a specific sport can’t be prevented. Fortunately, if you keep physically fit, if you’re injured, it is likely to be less traumatic. You need to be sure that your fitness level is right for the sport. For example, when playing golf, you’ll be less likely to be injured if you make sure your joints are mobile and that your muscles are limber prior to your day on the course. Remember to use proper form and good posture while you’re playing, and be sure to allow yourself enough cool down and relaxation time afterwards.

Though an amateur golfer may take a “time out” from the game if injured, nearly one-third of pro golfers play injured concurrently. Fortunately, amateur or pro, overall good health and fitness can reduce how many injuries you may experience and might conceivably deter getting injured altogether.

Proper body strength in the muscle zones most used when golfing is very important. However, it’s essential to determine that your spine is in healthy alignment and that it has good mobility before you set out to build muscle strength. A proficient golf swing hinges on your spine’s facility to efficiently move in a rotational fashion. Back injuries are the most widespread kind of injuries experienced by golfers. Your chiropractor will establish that your spine is in proper alignment and that there is effectual movement of the vertebrae. Chiropractic care can make a big difference in helping you to avoid back injury.

A day on the golf course that remains injury-free depends on how prepared you are for the game, so once you’re “straightened,” you’ll need to strengthen and gain more flexibility. Warming up your muscles by doing golf-specific stretching and flexibility exercises, is a must in order to make muscle strain less likely. Full body flexibility can be gained fairly quickly through range of motion (ROM) exercises, and elastic band condition can provide targeted golf range of motion advantages and increase needed strengthening of shoulders, hips, and the deep muscles of the core. Your chiropractor and other sports professionals are adding elastic band training to their golf conditioning programs because they supply the dynamic resistance that ordinary weight lifting does not.

“Golfer’s Elbow” is a common golf condition second only to back injuries. The only difference between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow is that, with tennis elbow the outside of the upper arm is afflicted, the inner arm is impinged with golfer’s elbow. Both can be a reaction to a single excessive action, e.g., in golf it might be thrusting down on the mat at the driving range or striking a hard fairway surface. However, repetitive stress from smaller shocks is usually the culprit. Another exacerbating cause of injury is suddenly starting to play too much golf, such as entering a tournament when you’re used to playing only once or twice a month.

Golf makes exclusive requirements on our body. Fatigue can be problematic because the game usually lasts longer than most other sports. Unhealthy posture and impeded coordination are often the consequences of a fatigued body. This combination can create an assortment of injuries. In addition, as a result of the continuous swinging of the golf clubs, the shoulder muscles are susceptible to injury. Just as it is essential for you to stretch and warm up before you start your golf game, be sure that you rest your body properly between games.

It is surprising to some that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is sometimes related to golf. But, many games of golf played over several months constantly may cause this type of repetitive stress injury. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be an extremely damaging injury producing disability and occasionally requiring surgery. However, if a health professional, such as your chiropractor, diagnoses it at an early stage, chiropractic care and, frequently, the use of a brace will help the condition.

Injuries are assumed to be an inescapable part of life for many golfers. Nonetheless, an aligned and flexible spine, appropriate exercise and muscle conditioning, attaining and sustaining a a good fitness level, good preparation and prudent rest and recuperation after your game is over, can help to lower the risk of injuries during your golfing experience.

Dr. Yong Kim has a chiropractic practice in Sacramento California. He has over thirteen years of experience helping thousands of patients get out of pain and get their lives back. His office is located at 1707 Professional Drive, Sacramento, CA 95825. He has special training and interest in the area of sports injuries. For more information go to his websitewww.sacramentochiropractor.org

categories: golf,carpal tunnel,back pain,shoulder pain,sports,sports injuries,exercise,fitness