News and Features
Golf
Getting the most out of your game of golf
As the weather improves and rainfall starts to diminish, more and more of us are picking up the golf clubs and heading out for a round. Scotia Chiropractic are encouraging you to have your spine and swing checked before you play to help avoid unnecessary injuries and to improve your handicap.
Dysfunction in just one joint or muscle can make 18 holes unbearable, and its no wonder considering you swing a variety of clubs over 100 times. This is made even worse if you already have an existing injury. By allowing your body to function at its optimum level, golf can become better and more fun, allowing you to really make the most of your time spent on the course!
Injuries are not just a problem amongst amateurs, professionals also suffer; Padraig Harrington even takes a Chiropractor on tour with him! This is a luxury not afforded to most of us, and amateur players may be more at risk of injury than those on the PGA Tours. Poor technique, inadequate warm-ups and cool downs and carrying heavy golf bags are the main causes of injuries, but making a few small, simple changes can greatly reduce your risk of injury.
The repetitiveness of a golf swing puts a great deal of pressure through the low back, shoulders and wrists. Any deficiencies in swing technique increase this pressure and effect other joints including the those in the neck and even the knees. By asking a local golf coach, or indeed your Chiropractor, to assess your swing objectively, appropriate changes can be suggested and improvements made. This should also help to lower your score!
As well as your swing, carrying heavy golf bags also puts a great deal of stress on your neck and shoulders. Take advantage of bags with straps to distribute weight evenly; ones with dual shoulder straps are best. However, you should also remember to bend your knees when picking up your clubs and avoid bending with the low back. This is important when picking the ball out of the hole too! Despite the advances made with the bags, the best way to caddy your clubs is to use a power or electric caddy rather than a trolley. This avoids the pressures from pulling, pushing and bending, in addition to making walking easier!
One of the main problems amongst amateur golfers is a lack of warm-up. Some form of warm-up to increase flexibility should precede any form of physical exercise, and golf is no exception! A variety of stretches and gentle exercises should be performed that target the low back, shoulders and wrists; stretches of the hamstrings, quadriceps, chest and shoulders are very effective. For a more golf-specific warm-up, gentle swings and driving actions with the clubs will warm-up the muscles utilised in these actions. You should also remember to stretch after your round; the clubhouse will wait for you!
One of the most important things to remember when playing golf is that pain is a warning sign. You should not ignore it and try to play on! If an injury occurs, you should stop playing and apply ice as soon as possible. Any persistent pain should lead you to visit your GP or chiropractor for a full assessment.
A healthy spine will improve your swing and overall game. The Chiropractors at Scotia can all discuss your technique, suggest improvements and where appropriate, offer treatment for your aches and pains. Don’t suffer in silence, and don’t let an underlying injury ruin your game!
Dysfunction in just one joint or muscle can make 18 holes unbearable, and its no wonder considering you swing a variety of clubs over 100 times. This is made even worse if you already have an existing injury. By allowing your body to function at its optimum level, golf can become better and more fun, allowing you to really make the most of your time spent on the course!
Injuries are not just a problem amongst amateurs, professionals also suffer; Padraig Harrington even takes a Chiropractor on tour with him! This is a luxury not afforded to most of us, and amateur players may be more at risk of injury than those on the PGA Tours. Poor technique, inadequate warm-ups and cool downs and carrying heavy golf bags are the main causes of injuries, but making a few small, simple changes can greatly reduce your risk of injury.
The repetitiveness of a golf swing puts a great deal of pressure through the low back, shoulders and wrists. Any deficiencies in swing technique increase this pressure and effect other joints including the those in the neck and even the knees. By asking a local golf coach, or indeed your Chiropractor, to assess your swing objectively, appropriate changes can be suggested and improvements made. This should also help to lower your score!
As well as your swing, carrying heavy golf bags also puts a great deal of stress on your neck and shoulders. Take advantage of bags with straps to distribute weight evenly; ones with dual shoulder straps are best. However, you should also remember to bend your knees when picking up your clubs and avoid bending with the low back. This is important when picking the ball out of the hole too! Despite the advances made with the bags, the best way to caddy your clubs is to use a power or electric caddy rather than a trolley. This avoids the pressures from pulling, pushing and bending, in addition to making walking easier!
One of the main problems amongst amateur golfers is a lack of warm-up. Some form of warm-up to increase flexibility should precede any form of physical exercise, and golf is no exception! A variety of stretches and gentle exercises should be performed that target the low back, shoulders and wrists; stretches of the hamstrings, quadriceps, chest and shoulders are very effective. For a more golf-specific warm-up, gentle swings and driving actions with the clubs will warm-up the muscles utilised in these actions. You should also remember to stretch after your round; the clubhouse will wait for you!
One of the most important things to remember when playing golf is that pain is a warning sign. You should not ignore it and try to play on! If an injury occurs, you should stop playing and apply ice as soon as possible. Any persistent pain should lead you to visit your GP or chiropractor for a full assessment.
A healthy spine will improve your swing and overall game. The Chiropractors at Scotia can all discuss your technique, suggest improvements and where appropriate, offer treatment for your aches and pains. Don’t suffer in silence, and don’t let an underlying injury ruin your game!
