Par For The Course: How Physical Therapy Can Help Golfers Improve Their Game
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You've lost that bet to your golf buddies again. You've been putting in some time with a golf instructor and your long drive is improving, but that pain still nags, and you're losing on the back 9. You have to bail on a 2nd round that day or picking up another round the next day. You have to get this pain down and recover. Maybe your body just isn't holding up the way it used to, you've had an injury, or you had to have surgery. Now you just can't get back to your prior level, and your golf buddies aren't letting up on you.
You just want to play pain-free, play golf well into retirement, and make sure you don't lose another bet on the course. Does this sound like some thoughts that have rolled around in your mind? Maybe it's time to talk with a Physical Therapist.
Golf is a physically demanding sport that requires a great deal of strength, flexibility, and coordination. Golfers often experience injuries inside and outside of their golf game. And these injuries can significantly impact their performance and enjoyment of the game. Golfers often see a coach or trainer to improve their game, but they may not realize the benefits of seeking the help of a Physical Therapist.
Physical Therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in improving movement and function, treating injuries, and preventing further injury. While a golf instructor can help you break down and improve your swing mechanics and improve your game; a Physical Therapist can help look at your strength, flexibility, and function after an injury or before an injury to help you play golf longer, and pain-free. A Physical Therapist can also help with your strength and power to improve your distance with your golf instructor lessons.
Let's look at some reasons why a golfer should consider seeing a Physical Therapist:
Chronic Pain or Injuries
You've had a nagging pain or injury that you've rested and treated with self-care, but it's not improving. It's time to see a Physical Therapist. Common golf injuries include golfer's elbow, rotator cuff injuries, and lower back pain. A Physical Therapist can assess the injury, develop an individualized treatment plan, and guide the golfer through exercises that will help them recover and prevent future injuries.
Surgeries
You've had a surgery for a musculoskeletal condition, or another medical surgery that's left you out of the game of golf. A Physical Therapist can assess your mobility, strength, and conditioning following your surgery to ensure you return to playing golf without re-injuring yourself. If you've had an orthopedic surgery and seen a PT for general mobility and strengthening to return to your daily functional activities, it may now be time to see a Physical Therapist that specializes in golf rehabilitation to help get you back in the game.
Limited Mobility or Flexibility
Limited mobility or flexibility can hinder a golfer's ability to perform at their best. You notice you're not getting that rotation for your back swing or your shoulder feels tight on your follow through. Physical Therapists can assess your range of motion and flexibility and develop exercises that will help improve these areas. Improved mobility and flexibility can lead to a better golf swing, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall performance.
Poor Posture or Body Mechanics
Poor posture or body mechanics can also lead to injuries and limit a golfer's performance. Physical Therapists can assess the golfer's posture and mechanics and provide guidance on how to improve them. Improved posture and mechanics can reduce the risk of injury and allow you to progress further in your lessons with a golf instructor.
Preparation for Competition or Season
Are you getting ready for a competition or the upcoming golf season? Seeing a Physical Therapist can be beneficial. They can assess your current level of fitness and develop a training plan that will improve your performance with strength, mobility, and power.
So if you've been having pain, recovering from an injury or surgery, notice limited mobility or poor posture, or you just want to improve your fitness level for the upcoming golf season and tournaments, it's time to reach out to a Physical Therapist. At Moveology Physical Therapy and Wellness, our PT, Kristen McGregory-Hair, has 18 years of experience as a Physical Therapist and is TPI Fitness Level 2 Certified. Moveology Physical Therapy and Wellness can take your standardized PT Care and up the quality of your treatement to include well-researched golf rehabilitation to get you back on the course faster and better.
Kristen McGregory-Hair, PT
Physical Therapist
A native Texan passionate about empowering people through movement, I've been a Physical Therapist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 2004. My passion is to help patients not only recover from injury but also take control of their health and live active lives. I believe in patient education and strive to ensure everyone understands their condition, treatment options, and how to manage their well-being. This Blog , along with Moveology Physical Therapy & Wellness’ Newsletter , is my way to share knowledge and inspire a wider community to embrace an active lifestyle.
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