G.U.R. - Golfers Under Repair

Spinal Golf Injury Rehabilitation

Your Back and Golf

Most golfers, at some time, will either suffer a back injury or will be restricted in playing golf due to back or neck pain.

Good posture and spinal mobility are essential, not only to improve back swing and follow-through in golf, but also to help prevent spinal and musculo-skeletal injuries e.g. disc lesions, muscular strain, joint stiffness, etc.

Here is a simple self-test to see if your back is at risk when playing golf. See what you get out of thirteen.

Is your back at risk?

	Previous occupational and domestic injuries that are aggravated by golf e.g. prolonged sitting in a car or at a desk, poor seating at home, gardening and/or poor lifting technique.
	Prolonged bending in golf practice.
	Prolonged practicing.
	Weak muscle groups related to golf e.g. abdominals, glutei and hamstrings.
	Predisposing pathology, e.g. arthritis, disc lesions, history of back pain.
	Excessive forceful movements during "follow-through stage" of the swing.
	Constant flexing and straightening up after taking your shot.
	Picking up practice balls without bending your knees.
	Slow competition e.g. prolonged standing while waiting for the group who is playing the hole in front.
	Incorrect lifting, assembling and handling of golf buggy and golf bag.
	Repeated twisting component involved with "back-swing" and "follow-through".
	Most importantly, not carrying out preventative stretches prior, during and after playing golf.
	Have not had a lesson for several months from your Golf Professional. This ensures safe and effective technique.

Scoring:

8 - 13 High risk

4 - 7 Danger zone

1 - 3 Be aware

How Many Times are you in a "Stressed" Flexed Position while Golfing?

	Driving your car to the golf course
	Assembling your buggy
	Putting practice
	Teeing up the ball
	Checking your ball in "four ball" competition or in the rough
	Selecting clubs from your golf bag
	Pushing your buggy (especially uphill)
	Repairing pitch marks, filling up divots with sand or filling sand bucket at the sand pit.
	Searching through your golf bag
	Lifting up practice balls.
	Getting the ball out of the hole
	Lifting your clubs and buggy in and out of the car
	Excessive putting practice without getting up to stretch
	Bashing buckets of balls with no breaks (results in muscle fatigue and increased risk of injury).

Scoring:

9 - 14 High risk

4 - 8 Danger zone

1 - 3 Be aware

Back to Spinal Golf Injury Rehabilitation

For further information on this subject contact
golfphysio@golfmed.net