Norman
2475 Boardwalk
Norman, OK 73069
PH (405) 447-1991
Newcastle
2340 N.W. 32nd
Newcastle, OK 73065
PH (405) 392-3322
Purcell
2132 N. Green Ave
Purcell, OK 73080
PH (405) 527-1500
www.TherapyInMotion.net
Preventing and Treating Golf Related Injuries
Golf is usually considered a low level sport. However, because of the repetitive nature of the
game, golfers often suffer serious injuries. Golf stresses the body in unique ways that can
lead to acute and chronic injuries.
Proper golf technique, equipment, stretching and
preventative measures can minimize golf related injuries.
The most common causes of golf injuries include
overuse, mis-hits or duffs (hitting the ground during
the swing), incorrect grip, lack of stretching,
improperly fit equipment and trying to “kill the ball”.
In addition, improper swing including the phases of
backswing, downswing, ball strike and follow-through
can contribute to injuries.
Of the reported golf injuries among amateur players in
the United States, 36% of the injuries involve the low
back; 32% the
elbows, 21% the wrists and hands, and 11% the shoulders. Most of
these injuries are simple strains of muscles or related joints that respond to conservative care
of rest, anti-inflammatories, ice, stretching and golf swing or grip modification. However, some
injuries can lead to more difficult conditions, often causing the golfer to have to give up the
game. Over 50% of touring professionals have had to stop playing because of injuries. The
motion of the golf swing, if done incorrectly can certainly cause injuries in many parts of the
body. It is therefore advisable to study each element of the swing, preferably with a trained
professional, to avoid the development of detrimental habits.
Low Back Injuries – Pain and stiffness in the low back are usually
caused by the improper twisting motion of the swing during the
backhand or follow through aspect of the swing. The rotational forces of
the swing place a considerable amount of stress on the vertebrae,
joints, muscles and ligaments of the spine. Lack of muscle flexibility and
strength, improper set up, short clubs, improper warm up and previous
spinal degenerative changes are all potential factors leading to low back
injuries. To decrease the stress on the lumbar spine is it recommended
that the shoulders and hips are rotated the same amount during the
backswing, the spine is kept vertical during the follow through and that
hyperextension of the back is avoided. If low back pain is persistent, it is
important to seek a biomechanical evaluation of your swing and perform at least 15 minutes of
low back flexibility exercises prior to teeing off.
Elbow Injuries – Pain on the inside of the elbow is referred to as medial epicondylitis and is
often referred to as “golfer’s elbow”. The muscles that bend or flex the wrist and fingers and
pronate the elbow (turn the forearm to the ground) originate on the inside of the elbow.
Improper grip, excessive grip tension, swing, weak muscles, overuse and striking the ground
with the club prior to ball contact are the common caused of medial epicondylitis. Pain on the
outside of the elbow, lateral epicondylitis, is often referred to as “tennis elbow”. The muscles
that extend or bend the the wrist and fingers out to the ceiling and the muscles that supinate
the elbow (turn it up and over) attach to the outside of the elbow. Excessive and repetitive
wrist extension is the primary cause of lateral epicondylitis. Rest, anti-inflammatories, larger
club grips, stretching, wearing an elbow strap, sleeping in a wrist or elbow brace, cortisone
injections, and physical therapy are all appropriate treatments for these annoying and often
long lasting condition. If not treated appropriately, micro tears and calcium deposits can occur
in the related tendons.
Hand and Wrist Injuries – Because the wrist position changes rapidly during the golf swing,
there is a potential for wrist injuries. Weakness in the wrists and hands may cause excessive
motion and result in persistent pain. De Quervain’s disease, a painful tenososynovitis of the
outside of the thumb and wrist is seen in golfers who use a forceful grasp, moving the wrist
towards the little finger side, and in those who prematurely uncock the wrist at the beginning
of the downswing. A trigger finger of the index finger is common in those golfers who use
excessive grip tension. Although fractures are uncommon in golfers, a fracture of the hamate
bone in the wrist can be caused by hitting a fat shot.
Shoulder Injuries – These injuries are usually caused by overuse rather than an improper
specific component of the swing. The broad range of motion of the shoulders during the
swing, increases the risk of injury. 97% of golf related shoulder pain occurs in the leading
shoulder. Impingement, rotator cuff strain, posterior shoulder subluxation and arthritis in the
glenohumeral and AC joints are the most common golf related shoulder injuries. Shortening
the backswing, stretching the muscles in the front of the shoulder, strengthening the muscles in
the back part of the shoulder, avoiding sleeping on the involved shoulder, and participation in
an overall shoulder strengthening regime is recommended.
In general, to prevent golf related injuries:
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Stretch the low back, hamstrings, shoulders, neck, wrist and hand prior to teeing off.
Especially, perform rotational stretches of your low back.
Have a trained professional evaluate your grip, stance, swing, etc.
Don’t try and “KILL” the ball and lead your swing with your nondominant hand.
Strengthen your wrist and hands with specific exercises such as squeezing a tennis
ball, performing wrist curls and reverse wrist curls.
Participate in an overall conditioning programs with a special emphasis on spine and
torso strengthening.
Modify your equipment as needed…enlarge your grips, use a good glove, clean your
grips, use an elbow brace, use clubs that are long enough and tell your spouse that you
can’t afford this month’s house payment because it is medically necessary for you to
buy the newest and improved clubs.
For acute pain: rest, ice, immobilize and if appropriate, take anti-inflammatories.
If your pain persists, seek the advice of a physician and/or a physical therapist.
Enjoy the game….foot wedges are acceptable, all 3’ puts are gimmies, and take 3 or 4
mulligans per round…why not….you paid the green fee!
Cindy Merrick MS, PT
Therapy In Motion