| How to improve your golf game |
Recent studies have shown that 62 percent of golfers will incur an injury during their golfing career - that can certainly put a kink in your swing! The most common body parts injured in golf-related injuries are the spine, elbow, wrist, knee and foot.
Pain and stiffness in the back and neck are usually caused by sprain/strain injuries and are a direct result of the participant swinging with too much force and rotating beyond the limits of their range of motion. Elbow and wrist injuries are often repetitive strain injuries that are a direct result of overuse and poor technique. Knee injuries are usually caused by the twisting motion of the golf swing and by biomechanical problems of the feet. Foot injuries are usually a direct result of poor fitting shoes or faulty foot biomechanics. Remember the average round of golf is a six kilometre walk so it is important to have proper footwear.
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You can save your body and your game to following these simple steps:
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Proper training and conditioning: the off-season provides an excellent opportunity to work on strengthening your core stabilizers (including the muscles in your abdomen). You can also benefit in many ways by building a regular stretching routine into your day, to improve your range of motion.
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Proper warm-up: recent studies have shown that 46 percent of golfers don't do anything to warm up and stretch their muscles before heading to the first tee. A simple warm-up can include a brisk walk to the first tee, or if you're using a golf cart, then circle the club house a couple of times (on foot, of course). When you get to the first tee, gently take several practice swings. Your back will thank you if after a few holes, you switch your club to your opposite hand and take a few practice swings the "wrong" way.
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Consult a chiropractor: a chiropractor can assess your spinal mobility, flexibility, core strength, foot mechanics and overall physical conditioning for the sport of golf.
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Consult a CPGA Professional: improving your swing will not only lower your score, but it can reduce the risk of injury.
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