Tee Off! Tips To Keep You Swinging for the Green
Many golfers agree that summertime is the best time of year to play the sport of golf. The air is fresh, the days are long, and the courses are in great shape! Not to mention, everyone is hitting their stride in their golf game. So, now’s the time to get out and play a few more rounds before the summer is over.
For all its leisurely hype, golf is still a very athletic activity. It doesn’t take much more than a bucket of golf balls to cause a sharp twinge of pain in our backs. Whether you’re an avid golfer or someone who’d be better served sticking to putt-putt, optimal health and mobility can improve your performance and limit the likelihood of injury.
How Your Chiropractor Can Help Your Game
As experts in the musculoskeletal system, we can assess what golfers need to perform at a high level while avoiding injuries and pain. Oftentimes, golfers can experience aches, pains, and injuries due to common issues with range of motion, strength, balance, and motor control.
Chiropractor-Approved Tips to Reduce Injuries and Keep You Swinging
Don’t Skip the Warm-Up
Golf requires a long rotational swing that generates club-head speed. The muscle contractions that create this swing culminate the ideal ball strike and trajectory off the club. Limitations in the mobility to your joints can negatively impact swing mechanics, shot distance, and accuracy. Lack of flexibility can also lead to muscle injury. Always take at least 10 to 15 minutes to prepare your body for golf.
Address Your Aches & Pains
Nearly 7 in 10 amateurs and 9 in 10 professionals will suffer a golf-related injury at least once in their lifetime. That means you’re in good company when you address your nagging pains quickly. The longer you wait, the longer recovery can last. If you’re experiencing any aches or pains, seek treatment from your chiropractor.
Get Your Steps in By Walking the Course
Walking the golf course offers many health benefits. It allows you to stay warmed up, and the physical demands of walking help build and maintain strength and endurance, which benefits your heart health. It also allows you to approach your next shot in the direction of play. Fun Fact: The actual distance walked for 18 holes is usually five to seven miles!
Footwear Matters
You won’t find a professional golfer wearing ill-fitting-slippery shoes, so why would you wear them? Your feet are the foundation of your swing, so choose a quality golf shoe that provides grip, traction, alignment, stability, and comfort.
Equipment is Key
Ill-fitted equipment can lead to poor performance, posture, and mechanics. Consider scheduling an equipment fitting with a golf professional.
Carry Your Bag Properly To Prevent Injuries
The average golf bag, loaded with golf balls, clubs, and rain gear weighs approximately 30 pounds. So, if you’re carrying that bag for 18 holes (the equivalent of five to seven miles), take the time and effort to carry it correctly by following these tips:
- Keep the straps tight so the bag sits towards your mid back. The bag should not be resting on or below your hips.
- You should try to keep the bag as parallel to the ground as possible when you’re wearing it so you can have even distribution between both shoulders. Try to feel as if the weight is evenly placed on both shoulders.
The Pros Trust Turn to Chiropractic, You Should Too
Many of the top golf professionals utilize chiropractic care as part of their health and fitness regimen:
Tiger Woods once stated, “I’ve been going to a chiropractor as long as I can remember, it is as important as the practice of my golf swing.”
This ACA article provides insight on the benefits of chiropractic care in the sport of golf. Jordan Spieth has been receiving chiropractic care since he was 14 years old in order to optimize his health and athletic performance in addition to injury prevention. Spieth credits his chiropractor, Dr. Van Biezen, in his success stating, ““Dr. Van Biezen is an important member of my team, and thanks to his care, my all-time dream of winning the Masters Tournament has become a reality”
Dr .Van Biezen is also the chiropractor for Zach Johnson, who grew up receiving chiropractic care from his father, David Johnson, DC. Chiropractic care has given Zach Johnson a competitive edge as his father states, “I’ve always known that chiropractic care improves function and balance and reduces pain associated with the grind of repetitive movement and high-speed movement in the golf swing, However, since Zach has been on the tour, I have seen firsthand how much professional golfers rely on chiropractic care. Zach also depends on nutritional and exercise support for maintaining his high level of performance and function.”
Choose Chiropractic to Feel Your Best
Golf requires a lot of time, effort, skill, and physical endurance. The explosive nature of the swing can put a tremendous amount of stress on your muscles and joints. You don’t have to be a professional to experience some of the most common injuries in golf.
With help from your chiropractor, many of these injuries can be prevented. At MCR Chiropractic, we are committed to empowering you to achieve a lifetime of health and wellness. Call your nearest MCR Chiropractic to schedule an appointment or complete the form below!
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