Golf Injuries – Chiropractor or Physiotherapist come first?

Golf has gained immense popularity across all genders and age groups, from beginners to professionals. Despite its appearance as a simple game of hitting a stationary object into a wide-open space, golf demands significant practice, effort, skill, and perseverance to excel.

While golf is often seen as a low-risk sport due to its lack of direct contact, many young golfers, especially those with poor technique, experience acute or overuse injuries. The explosive nature of the swing can impose considerable stress on the body, leading to injuries among professional golfers at some point in their careers. Several factors contribute to common golf swing injuries. About 80% of reported golf injuries result from overuse or excessive practice. These injuries are often due to factors like inflexibility, inadequate conditioning, excessive play, poor swing mechanics, ground impact forces, and irregular play.

The remaining 20% of golf injuries result from traumatic force and accidents. Acute injuries typically stem from a single, traumatic event, such as hitting the ground or a submerged tree root in a sand trap. Overuse injuries are more subtle and develop over time, often due to the strain placed on the back and shoulders during swings. The back, shoulder, and elbow are the most commonly injured areas.

Physiotherapy and chiropractic care can aid in golf-related injuries, offering tailored treatment based on the specific areas affected by golf-related strains. You can search for physiotherapy or chiropractic in KL to address your condition. 

The most common golf  injuries

Low back pain 

An estimated 30 percent of golfers, particularly beginners, will experience some form of low back pain. Injuries can vary from overuse-related back pain to muscle tears and spinal disc injuries. The rotational stresses of the swing can exert significant pressure on the spine and muscles. Coupled with spending four to five hours in a bent-over stance, repeating the same motion hundreds of times, it’s understandable why golf can lead to minor back strains that may escalate into severe injuries. Additionally, elderly golfers are at risk of degenerative disc disease and fractures.

Knee injuries 

Knee pain often arises due to the strain exerted on a weak knee while stabilising the rotation of the hip axis at the start of the swing. In right-handed golfers, it’s typically the left knee that is affected, and vice versa. Excessive force on the knee can lead to ligament tears, while incorrect knee positioning may cause falls. Individuals with arthritis may experience more knee issues due to the degenerative nature of the disease, which gradually wears away joint cartilage.

Several factors contribute to the degree of knee pain experienced, including the golf course layout, ground surface, hole design, golfer’s weight, and age. Elderly or obese golfers are at a higher risk of developing severe knee injuries, such as ligament wear and tear.

Elbow injuries 

Tendinitis, characterised by irritation and inflammation of tendon tissue, is a common condition affecting the elbow. When the outer tendon is injured, it’s often referred to as ‘tennis elbow,’ whereas injury to the inner tendon is termed ‘golfer’s elbow.’ Golfer’s elbow is prevalent in the right elbow of right-handed golfers who overuse or over-practice, leading to chronic inflammation and severe pain. Tennis elbow, on the other hand, typically occurs due to repetitive motions of the wrist and arm and is commonly found in the left elbow of right-handed golfers, especially beginners.

Interestingly, golfers tend to suffer more from tennis elbow than golfer’s elbow. The risk of tendinitis increases with age and is higher in individuals who regularly perform activities involving repetitive movements stressing susceptible tendons, such as hitting golf balls. Improper swing mechanics can further aggravate these injuries. Treatment involves resting the injured tendon, reducing inflammation, and promoting muscle strength while correcting swing mechanics. Fortunately, tendinitis usually resolves with proper treatment.

Moreover, the repetitive motions and high speed of the golf swing poses a high risk for wrist injuries. Pain and tenderness on the top of the wrist, often experienced at the top of the backswing and at impact, are common symptoms. Tendinitis, or swelling of the tendons responsible for wrist movement, is the most common golf-related wrist injury.

Wrist injuries

Wrist injuries in golf are rare but can have significant consequences for avid, competitive, or professional players, given the importance of hand and wrist function in the game. The majority of golf-related wrist injuries are overuse injuries affecting the flexor or extensor tendons, with the left wrist (in right-handed golfers) being the most commonly affected area. Analysis of the golf swing reveals excessive motion of the left wrist (in right-handed golfers), along with a catapulting function, contributing to the vulnerability of the left wrist to injury. Hyperextension and radial deviation of the right wrist can lead to impingement syndrome, while injuries may also occur during impact in the swing phase.

Most golf-induced wrist overuse syndromes can be successfully treated without surgery, although recovery may necessitate an extended break from golfing. Many wrist problems in golfers are linked to factors such as a strong grip (left hand positioned clockwise on the golf club handle), overgripping, using golf club grips in poor condition, or employing improper swing techniques. The most common bony wrist injury is a fracture of the hook of the hamate, causing chronic ulnar-sided wrist pain, often diagnosed late or left untreated. Properly fitted golf clubs, correct swing technique, and awareness of potential hazards can help prevent such injuries

Shoulder injuries

Shoulder injuries are common among golfers due to the unique stresses placed on each shoulder during the swing. Unlike many other sports, in golf, each shoulder is in opposition during the swing, with the forward shoulder stretching across the body while the trailing shoulder is raised and rotated. This leads to distinct complications in each shoulder.

Moreover, the rotator cuff muscles endure significant stress as they play a crucial role in providing power and control during the swing. The leading, non-dominant shoulder is particularly susceptible to injury, often experiencing extreme positioning during the backswing, leading to impingement or pinching of the rotator cuff. This can result in inflammation and tears in the rotator cuff, as well as stress on the shoulder joint, potentially causing tears in the labrum, a stabilising structure in the shoulder.

Pain may manifest in the shoulder or upper arm during the different phases of the golf swing or after play, particularly when the arms are raised overhead or at night. Shoulder injuries can arise from various factors, including poor swing mechanics, mis-hits, or overuse. Golfers may develop tendonitis and rotator cuff tears due to a combination of improper techniques and the repetitive nature of the golf swing. 

How to prevent golf injuries 

To reduce the likelihood of golf-related injuries, it’s essential to incorporate various preventive measures into your routine. Beginning with a proper warm-up and stretching regimen before each round can significantly decrease the risk of overuse injuries. Simple activities like taking a brisk walk and focusing on stretching key areas such as the lower back, hips, legs, and shoulders can help prepare the body for the demands of golf. As the season progresses, gradually increasing the length and intensity of play can prevent overuse injuries and improve overall conditioning. Core muscle strengthening exercises, like planks, are particularly beneficial for enhancing swing mechanics and reducing the risk of back pain. Seeking instruction from a teaching professional not only refines technique but also enhances the enjoyment of the game while minimising the risks of injuries

Furthermore, preventing common golf injuries involves refining swing mechanics through proper instruction and participating in golf-specific conditioning programs. Investing in properly fitted equipment, such as lightweight clubs, can reduce strain on the body and decrease the likelihood of injury. Additionally, avoiding prolonged practice sessions without adequate rest can help prevent overuse injuries and maintain optimal performance on the course. By incorporating these strategies into your golf routine, you can enjoy the game while minimising the risk of injuries that may hinder your performance and overall enjoyment.

How physiotherapy helps in golf injuries 

Selected treatment entirely depends on type of injuries, severity and related signs and symptoms. Physiotherapy serves as a vital component in both the rehabilitation and prevention of golf-related injuries. Through a comprehensive assessment, physiotherapists diagnose biomechanical issues and muscle imbalances that may contribute to injuries, guiding treatment plans accordingly. Techniques such as manual therapy and therapeutic exercises are employed to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and restore range of motion and flexibility essential for proper swing mechanics. Strength and conditioning programs target specific muscle groups crucial for golf performance, while core stabilisation exercises enhance balance and power transfer during swings. Physiotherapists conduct biomechanical analyses to identify faulty movement patterns, offering corrective strategies to optimise mechanics and prevent injuries. Education on warm-up routines, posture, and equipment selection, coupled with gradual return-to-play protocols, empowers golfers to minimise injury risks. Through a combination of hands-on techniques and tailored interventions, physiotherapy not only aids in injury recovery but also enhances performance and promotes longevity in the sport.