Golf is a relatively safe sport that many enjoy, especially in springtime. Although golf is not a high-impact sport, golfers can still experience injuries, usually as a result of overuse. The swing of the golf club can put a great deal of stress on the shoulder. Over time, the repetitive movements can cause wear and tear on the shoulder, specifically the rotator cuff.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that provide stability to the shoulder joint. It is responsible for raising and rotating your arm. The nature of the golf swing makes the leading, non-dominant shoulder susceptible to injury. Golfers aim to generate a lot of power on the backswing, placing stress on the shoulder. This repetitive motion can wreak havoc on the rotator cuff, causing strains and tears.
Prevent golf injuries by avoiding overuse with these effective tips.
Follow a Training Schedule: Implementing a structured program that has established rest days is vital. Create a schedule where you limit the amount of swings weekly. Consult with a trainer or physical therapist to ensure that your plan consists of a balanced plan of action.
Follow an Exercise Program: Follow an exercise regimen that includes strength training, stretching, and cardiovascular work. Always warm up before any activity, paying close attention to ensure your shoulders and back are warm. Emphasize strengthening the muscles around the shoulder region.
Adjust Techniques: Be aware of how you feel during your swing. If you feel any discomfort you may need to make some adjustments. Learn to use your legs for more power. Consider doing a golf swing screening. Through a thorough analysis, you can see where your technique needs tweaking. It can be a great idea to take some professional golf lessons. Your instructor can adjust your technique to not only improve your golf game, helping prevent injuries.
Golf is a leisurely sport enjoyed by all ages around the world. It’s not only great exercise, but it’s time spent outdoors with friends, which benefits your overall health. For many, golf is a life-long sport, so avoiding injuries is essential.
Sports medicine specialist, Dr. Anup Shah specialized in rotator cuff injuries and treatment options. Contact Dr. Shah if you experience shoulder pain from golf.
AUTHOR: Dr. Anup Shah is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Sports Medicine Orthopedic surgeon specializing in Knee and Shoulder Surgery in Phoenix, Arizona at Banner Health. Dr. Shah uses a patient-centric and an evidence-based approach to help his patients achieve their desired goals.
