Golf Injuries

Many people consider golf a low-level physical activity with a low risk of injury. But serious injuries to the elbow, spine, knee, hip and wrist can occur. Before hitting the links, golfers can take some preventative measures to protect themselves against injury.

How Can I Avoid Golf Injuries?

• Leading the list of injuries is golfer’s elbow. One of the best ways to avoid elbow problems is to strengthen the forearm muscles and slow the swing so that there will be less shock in the arm when the ball is hit harder .
• Low back pain is another common complaint among golfers. It can be caused by a poor swing. The rotational stresses of the golf swing can place considerable pressure on the spine and muscles. Also poor flexibility and muscle strength can cause minor strains in the back that can easily become serious injuries.
• The best way to stretch your muscles before every round of golf is to warm up by taking a brisk walk for 5 to 10 minutes followed by some mild stretching exercises for the major muscle groups. Remember warm muscles stretch better than cool muscles. Hit a bucket of balls on the practice range as a part of your warm-up. It will not only help your game but will make you healthier in the long run.
• Consult with your golf professional and correct swing problems. This will help lower you score and help reduce the risk of injury.

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With their focus on PPT – Performance, Prevention and Treatment -- the specialists at Saint Vincent Sports Medicine can help you get back in the game after a golf injury. Call them today at 814-866-3466.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.