When most people think of golf we think about the slow pace, the walking and the lack of contact and so the conclusion we reach is that golf is a relatively gentle and benign activity…wrong!

Golf requires the rapid generation of huge torque or rotational forces through the hips and torso so the incidence of injuries in golfers is relatively high and because golf can be enjoyed over across the entire life span, most golfers will struggle with injury at some stage.

When assessing the golfer our osteopaths will look at the three body segments individually, as well as how they function together as a whole. 

• Lower Body – What is the lower body doing, is it mobile enough, strong enough and is it balanced? The hips and ankles are really important here.
• The torso or core – We see if that’s working well and what kind of stability & control it has in rotation. What sort of spinal mobility do we have and is the spine being loaded optimally?
• The neck and arms – Usually they are the last point of reference in a golf swing, because often these parts are forced to compensate for what the rest of the body is not doing properly.

Back pain is the most common complaint among golfers, especially in older golfers but back pain isn’t the only injury golfers tend to suffer;  neck, shoulder, elbow and hip pain are all relatively common complaints among golfers of all ages.

Treatment for these conditions may include:

• Massage, soft tissue manipulation and stretching
• Specific joint mobilisation and manipulation
• Mobility work to free up stiff joints
• Exercise to work on strengthening:
  • Shoulders & upper limbs
  • Core strength, stability & control
  • Thoracic and Lumbar spine
  • Hips & lower limbs
  • Gluteals and pelvic floor
• Rehabilitation exercises that are individualised to the golfer’s body type and swing mechanics

Golfers rarely consider the damage that the sport’s repetitive, torquing movements can have on their backs, necks and shoulders and while many golfers might see an osteopath after injury, some are now discovering that being a little more proactive and seeing an osteopath before injury can be the key to improving performance and  playing round after round without pain.

Who Will it Benefit?

• Golfers of all ages and levels who want to improve their game
• Golfers with injuries that affect their game
• Golfers with old injuries that still hinder them and need some rehabilitation
• Golfers who are interested in injury prevention and improving fitness levels

Our osteopaths can give you proactive treatment, strategies and advice to help you realise your full potential on the golf course.