Golf Injuries & Pain

In the United States, there are over 27 million men, women and children playing over 500 million rounds of golf every year. Golf is usually considered a low level activity, but golfers often suffer serious injuries. Over 50% of touring professionals have had to stop playing because of injuries. The motion of a golf swing, if done incorrectly, can cause injuries in many parts of the body. A golf swing involves a large trunk rotation and requires you to move both shoulders through a wide range of motion at very high speeds. The modern swing emphasizes coiling of the upper body against a stable lower on the backswing, followed by rapid uncoiling during the swing and follow-through. This action places the hip, knees, wrists, and the leading elbow at risk for injury.

Unlike professionals, amateur golfers are not as conditioned to make these motions. Although one would assume that professionals are at higher risk, both amateur and professional golfers commonly injure their knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, and wrists. And the injury rate is the same for amateurs as professionals — medical research states that 50% of ALL who play golf become injured. The most common cause of such injuries is overuse, or poor mechanics – either physical mechanics, swing mechanics or a combination of both.

Injury incidents increase with age. Research has shown that more than 50% of golfers will develop chronic problems.

The 5 Most Common Mechanisms of Injury:
1. Poor body mechanics
2. Poor swing biomechanics
3. Excessive practice (Overuse)
4. No regular, customized golf-specific exercise program
5. Poor nutrition
6. Improper club fitting

In fact, inflamed joints, and tight muscles & joints are the primary reason the majority of golfers are unable to swing properly, generate power and distance, and are so susceptible to injury. This is too bad, because golf flexibility can be easily developed through a proper stretching program. And inflammation can easily be controlled by including a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as Flexcin into your daily routine.

Taking steps now to prevent future injuries is the best way to keep yourself on the fairways and greens!