With nearly 200 golf courses and beautiful weather, Phoenix is home to some of the country's top golf courses. Our aim is to keep our patients on the green as much as their hearts desire! Golf causes asymmetrical loading and repetitive motions, which can cause increased pressure on joints, muscles, and tendons. The twisting on a drive, bending over to pick up a ball, and squatting down to measure a putt puts torque on the body which can lead to injuries and/or muscle imbalances that compromises the legs, hips, arms, shoulders, and low back. These imbalances not only affect a golfer’s game by decreasing their stamina or impacting their drives to be shorter and less accurate, but they can increase the likelihood that they’ll sustain painful strains, pulls, and tears.
Golf Injuries Golf injuries are generally caused by overuse of the muscles, repeated movements, and occasionally trauma. The majority of injuries occur in the back, shoulders, and elbows.
Common golf injuries:
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Back strains
Rotator cuff conditions
Hip impingement
Common causes of these injuries:
Lack of flexibility
Poor conditioning
Weakness in core
Weakness in shoulder/hip stabilizers muscles
Failure to warm up properly
Rotational stresses placed on the spine
Overuse/over-practice
Over-swinging
Poor swing mechanics
Muscle imbalances
Incorrect grip/setup
Preventing Golf Injuries
Maintaining fitness is integral to a healthy and competitive golf game. Preventing injuries requires players to have good flexibility, strength, and proper technique. With prevention and good form most golf injuries can be avoided. Golf injury prevention starts with general conditioning, warming up and priming the body prior to taking the first swing, proper form/biomechanics and post-game stretching.
Improving Your Game with Pilates
Through Pilates, golfers can improve the distance and power of their swing with exercises that target the back, core, and arms. Pilates is based on movement from the "power house", or core, as are most shots in golf. Core strength can help improve mid back and hip rotation, range of motion in the shoulders and mid back as well as stability leading to more powerful and accurate golf shots. Incorporating Pilates into your exercise program can work as a rehab or preventative measure to help with acute or chronic injuries of the back, hip, elbow, shoulder, or wrist.
A few ways Pilates can improve your game and prevent injuries:
Strengthen the back muscles evenly
Elongate and align the spine for better stability
Strengthen the abdominals
Increase overall flexibility, strength, and balance
Increase range of motion in the joints
Enhance concentration through focused breathing
Restore symmetry to the body
Reduce pain
If you are looking to improve your golf swing call or text (602) 956-1233 to schedule your evaluation today. We challenge you to give Pilates a shot!