Pain shouldn’t be par for the course

Considering the number of times a swing is repeated during a game of golf, it is not surprising that the season often ends early for those who are not physically prepared.

Every year chiropractors treat countless golfers for injuries that could easily have been prevented, including lower back, neck and shoulder pain, muscle strain and tendinitis. A major reason for this is a loss of flexibility. If not worked on, we lose our flexibility as we age. Also, common everyday activities, like working on computers or commuting long distances, tend to contribute even more to this.

Adequate flexibility will decrease the likelihood of experiencing injury while practising or playing. This is due to the fact that the golf swing depends on nearly every joint between the tips of the toes and the ends of the fingers.

Limitation in motion of any of these joints will shift the work burden to other “healthier” joints, causing unnecessary strain and contributing to increased muscular fatigue. This can cause serious repetitive motion injury to both the dysfunctional joints and the over-burdened, but otherwise healthy, joints.

The solution? A combined approach that addresses both the joint mechanics and muscle flexibility. Joint mechanics are best addressed with corrective chiropractic adjustments to the affected joints. A proper stretching program recommended by your chiropractor is a great way to address the muscular component.

Not only will chiropractic care and stretching help to avoid injury, but you will also be delighted with the improvement in your game. This is why top golf professionals, including Tiger Woods, rely on chiropractic care to keep them in the game.

Here are some other simple tips to help you avoid injury while you are golfing.

Get the right fit: Playing with clubs that don’t fit can hinder your game and cause you pain. Consult a pro to ensure your clubs are the right height, are made of a material appropriate to your arm strength, and have a comfortable grip.

Take lessons: The right swing technique can do more than just improve your game, it can also spare you plenty of unnecessary pain. Working with a CPGA professional is a great way to learn the basics.

Warm up and cool down: Take a few minutes to stretch before and after your game. Start with a brisk walk, then do some light stretching.

Push, don’t carry, your golf bag: Pushing or pulling a bag on its wheels and taking turns riding in a cart can help you take a load off and prevent a back injury. If you prefer to carry your clubs, consider using a double strap carry bag that evenly distributes the weight.

Choose the right shoes: Wearing a golf shoe with good support and the proper fit can go a long way to prevent knee, hip and lower back pain.

Drink lots of water: Dehydration can cause fatigue and increase your risk of injury. Water and juice are ideal refreshments. Drinking alcohol depletes the body’s fluids and can lead to stiff muscles and soreness later on.

Dr. Janna-Marie Doni is a local chiropractor, working at Barrydowne Family Chiropractic in New Sudbury and Koski Chiropractic in Chelmsford. For more information, contact her at 566-0723. This is the first in a series of six columns.