Have you ever had an injury, taken some time off from the golf game, and then returned to activity only to re-injure the same or similar area? All too often the symptomatic (painful) area is addressed, but the problematic area is not treated. For example, applying an ice or cold pack for 10 – 20 minutes to the symptomatic area will help to reduce inflammation and pain, but it is important to also find out why the area became irritated in the first place. Wearing an epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) strap allows the muscles to work more from the strap than the elbow joint, but may only partially address an underlying problem. It is all too common to return to activity without appropriate rehabilitation, which sets one up for another injury because the underlying biomechanical (movement) dysfunction has not been treated.
A golfer uses his or her entire body to produce maximal drive distance. If there is a restriction in the body’s biomechanical chain, the weak link in the chain could eventually break down and cause an injury. If there is more than one weak link in the chain and only one of these links is fixed, there is still the risk for re-injury once the activity is resumed. It is important to look at the entire chain when assessing a non-traumatic injury. If a golfer begins to have elbow or shoulder pain, both upper and lower extremities need to be assessed. For example, a hip rotation restriction can cause the elbow, shoulder and/or back to reach end ranges of motion faster in the back swing and follow through resulting in potential problems in these areas if they are unable to fully compensate for hip tightness. Similarly, a muscle imbalance such as over-development or underdevelopment of certain areas can result in impaired swing biomechanics. This can also lead to compensations which over time may lead to overuse-type symptoms such as tendonitis or muscle strains.
Even an individual who works out regularly may not be training appropriately for a safe return to golf or to another activity. People tend to overdevelop their mirror muscles, musculature that can easily be seen in a mirror, and other muscles become underdeveloped in comparison. This results in weaknesses, restrictions, and/or postural malalignment that can affect the biomechanical chain. Another common tendency is to stretch out the area that is thought to be used most. For example, stretching the upper extremities during a golf swing, but not spending enough time stretching the lower extremities and torso. Flexibility in the lower extremities and torso is essential in order to properly swing and generate velocity of the club head. A deficiency in appropriate strength, including the core (abdominals), or a restriction in range of motion can compromise the body parts above and/or below the deficient area(s). This could potentially result in an individual paying the price and needing to sit out his or her next tee time.
At Spooner Physical Therapy we examine the entire biomechanical chain to find any weak or restricted links that may contributing to pain and keeping one from his or her maximal potential.
by Torrey Foster, PT, DPT, CSCS
Spooner Physical Therapy
9097 East Desert Cove, Suite 110
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
www.spoonerphysicaltherapy.com
P: 480-860-4298
F: 480-860-0165