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Golf is among the most prevalent of international sports, in part because it appeals to people of all ages and physical conditions. At the same time, it is also one of the most biomechanically strenuous of sports; the golf swing is highly complex and involves every joint in the body. As any golfer at any level of ability will attest, what would otherwise seem a very straightforward concept of hitting a stationary ball with a large club head is actually very intricate in nature. There is a tremendous amount of energy that is transferred systematically throughout the body and out to the club head, and an infinite number of possible mechanical variations throughout that process. As stated by experts at the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), “No two golfers have the same golf swing.” What the researchers at TPI have also discovered, using 3-D motion analysis systems, is that all great pro tour ball strikers actually have one thing identically in common, their Kinematic Sequence. The Kinematic Sequence is the sequence by which energy or speed is transferred throughout the body (from the feet to the club head). TPI experts have deemed it to be the single most important influencing factor of accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in the golf swing. Factors that may result in sequence and efficiency breakdown, which ultimately leads to injury and pain include: improper swing mechanics, ill-fitting equipment, and physical limitations. These are three distinct yet intertwined problem areas; the former two are best addressed with the expertise of a golf pro, whereas the latter area may best be addressed by a Physical Therapist, who specializes in evaluating and treating golf-related injuries and physical limitations. The therapist is working with the golf pro to deliver a solution that addresses all the potential impacting factors; one that will result in better play, less injuries, less chronic pain, and more enjoyment of the game.
Boom Boom Pow
The Titleist Performance Institute collected questionnaires about areas of pain from over 7000 amateur golfers. The most common golf injury, at 28.1%, was low back; 20.3% had shoulder pain, 17.03% had knee pain, 9.29% had hip pain, 7.90% wrist pain, and 6.45% had elbow pain.1 Throughout the next several issues, I will be discussing the various specific medical injuries associated with each area, as well as the golf swing characteristics that may result in or contribute to these injuries. From the golfers and golf pros that I have spoken with, it seems that most golfers have some sort of pain, but they choose to play through the pain, indicating “pain is just part of golf.” I would venture to guess that most golfers are not sure where to start or whom to consult regarding their pain, and more importantly, they may not believe that there is a solution to their problem.
Who You Gonna Call?
Here are some basic guidelines to follow as far as with whom to consult when there is pain. Whenever there is constant pain, i.e. pain that is unchanging regardless of position or activity, it is always prudent to consult with your Primary Care Physician, especially if there is fever or night sweats associated with the pain. Pain that is transient and mild that occurs only during or immediately following a round of golf may be easily addressed by consulting a golf pro to see about modifying your swing mechanics. Pain, however, that does not resolve despite golf swing modification should be addressed by consulting with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). The PCP may or may not recommend Physical Therapy, but it is always wise to ask your medical doctor about seeing a Doctor of Physical Therapy who is also qualified to assess and screen for movement dysfunction as it pertains to the golf swing, i.e. a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, Medical Professional.
*It is not legally necessary for a patient to consult with a physician prior to seeing a PT*
Next Issue
Over the next several months, I will systematically address each body part mentioned above, starting with the low back. I will review very basic anatomy of the various structures, as well as the types of injuries that are seen, that are specific to golf. I will discuss very basic swing mechanics and delineate why and how certain swing characteristics may put a golfer at risk for one or more of these injuries. Golf is a biomechanically involved sport, and while it is considered “low impact,” I would argue that almost every joint and muscle chain system is strained and torqued with each swing, repetitively. I believe that with a better understanding of how our bodies work and of the correlation between efficient golf swing mechanics and musculoskeletal system preservation, you will be playing golf longer and, most importantly, better.