Physical Therapy Can Help Golfers With Back Pain
Is persistent back pain limiting your golf game? Are you looking for guidance on how to get out on the golf course and swing pain-free again? At Austin Physical Therapy, our physical therapists have proven success treating golfers. We’ll help you find relief and get back on the links chasing that little white ball!
Low back pain affects golfers of all ages and skill levels and accounts for approximately 25% of all golf injuries. The ability to properly perform the golf swing is complex and requires a high degree of coordination by the whole body. Any change or impairment will influence the dynamic action of the golf swing and contribute to the risk of injury.
Although it may appear that a properly executed golf swing is not that stressful, studies prove otherwise. The high velocity’s force generated at extreme ranges of motion is equivalent to the forces a football lineman generates striking a blocking sled. The combination of substantial spinal forces and the high number of swing repetitions likely leads to lower back injury over time.
Most injuries are the result of overuse and poor swing mechanics. At Austin Physical Therapy, our physical therapists understand the biomechanics and forces of the golf swing and can help identify the source of your pain/injury and teach you the tools to resolve it once and for all!
Request an appointment today, and let us help you enjoy a pain-free day golfing!
What are the most common back conditions seen in golfers?
Golf is among the most popular sports worldwide for people of all ages and abilities. Though golf is popular, this doesn’t mean that the physical demands of the sport are low.In addition, people often think their technique is good enough because they are hitting the ball (most of the time) and put off seeking help to ensure proper swinging mechanics to avoid injury.
Some highly motivated golfers strive to improve their game and take hundreds and even thousands of swings daily and/or weekly. The cumulative effect of so many swings, especially improper technique, is the leading risk factor for golfers developing lower back pain.
Injury to the spine is typically from overuse or traumatic causes. The most common injuries stem from overuse-type injuries related to the cumulative repetitions of swings and/or faulty swing mechanics. Traumatic events are not as common and are typically the result of hitting a rock or root or taking a large (unintended) divot.
The physical restrictions and limitations most commonly associated with lower back pain in golfers include:
- Improper or inadequate trunk muscle activation (i.e., core muscles)
- Lack of pelvis and trunk rotation
- Hip weakness
- Lack of hip mobility (i.e., internal rotation, external rotation, adduction)
The golf swing is a complex, whole-body activity that requires coordinated movements to perform correctly. If any body segment is restricted or limited, the body naturally shifts the distribution of forces to other body segments. These faulty movement patterns can lead to a breakdown in the tissues not designed to withstand the additional forces.
There are also indications that age and a high body mass may contribute to the development of lower back pain. Fortunately, physical therapy can address the physical changes related to age and high body mass to minimize the risk.
How physical therapy can help you find back pain relief
Seeking help early on, when the issue is minor, leads to faster results and prevents the condition from becoming severe! At Austin Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are movement experts. We will identify any restrictions or weaknesses contributing to your lower back pain.
We will perform a thorough evaluation that includes a detailed history and movement assessment. We need to understand your history of lower back pain and how the golf swing aggravates an old problem or is the source of a new condition.
Our comprehensive assessment will test your joint range of motion, strength, coordination, and balance to ensure we identify any restrictions and/or limitations altering your swing mechanics. This information will help us design a program tailored to your individual needs.
Believe it or not, in some cases, a therapeutic program focusing on the hip joint can often help reduce your back pain while improving performance. Our interventions include flexibility/mobility, strength, and power training to correct faulty movement patterns. In addition, we emphasize trunk muscle activation, hip strength, and an exercise program combined with education about your specific needs to ensure you recover fully and prevent future episodes.
Request an appointment at Austin Physical Therapy today!
We aim to help you golf pain-free and enjoy your time on the links!
Your physical therapists understand the lower back’s stress from golfing. We will design a golf-specific plan tailored to your individual needs and help you find relief so you can get back on the course as soon as possible! Contact Us!