Community Corner
Flexibility Key to Keeping Up Golf Game
Expert recommends increasing core strength and flexibility to keep you on the course and out of physical therapy.
We’re about two months into the golf season. That’s two months of twisting, turning, striking the ball and walking. It also can mean two months of aches and twinges that weren’t there in April.
“Most golfers won’t come in until after the season is over,” said DMC Physical Therapist Deneen Carter. “They don’t want to stop golfing. And the theory is, if you come in to PT, we’ll tell you that you can’t golf.”
But the fact is, if golfers take a proactive approach to physical issues, they are likely to be able to continue playing the game while they receive physical therapy. Carter said most golfing injuries are the result of a lack of flexibility, and not necessarily because of poor swing mechanics.
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“It’s all related to a lack of flexibility,” she said. “Golf does not just involve the upper body or the lower body. It’s your whole body – from your neck to your ankles. We see more golfers here with complaints about the lower back because it tends to be a more painful area than, say the hips or the ankles.”
Carter said a good way to determine if your issue is a sore muscle versus a more serious problem is how long the pain lasts.
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“Pain is an indication that something is going wrong, especially a new pain,” Carter said. “Muscle soreness will last about 48 hours, sometimes as long as 72 hours. If it goes beyond that, it is something to pay attention to. See how often you have it. Don’t wait until the pain sits you down; go in and do something about it.”
To prevent common golf injuries, Carter recommends increasing your flexibility and your core strength. Take time each day to stretch, not just your arms and legs, but your hips, ankles, wrists, back, shoulders and neck. Add core strength conditioning such as Pilates to your workout. Pilates focuses on the core muscles, which extend from your stomach and back through your hips and buttocks area.
“Everything powers through your core when you play golf,” Carter said. “Make sure your hips are strong.
“And warm up before the game. Stretch, hit a few balls. All of this is very important so you don’t go out there cold. And, of course, make sure you have the proper mechanics for your swing.”
