The missing component to your golf-related pain
Are you a golfer that is limited in how much you can play due to pain? Or maybe pain or stiffness is limiting your performance while out on the course? This is a common issue we see as physical therapists when working with our golfers. Most golfers are dealing with some nagging pain or stiffness that limits their ability to play. And while, ibuprofen or muscle gel will provide some short-term relief, that issue of pain or stiffness still persists.
As a physical therapist and golfer myself, I have a deep understanding of how the body functions and what is necessary to function out on the course. As humans, we live a life where we spend most of our day in the sagittal plane (forward and backward). Golf, however, is mostly spent in the transverse plane (rotation). So what we commonly see as physical therapists is that golfers tend to lack mobility and strength in the transverse plane.
While I believe most people would benefit from more time spent training in the transverse plane, this is especially important for golfers or any rotational athlete. I immediately think of three big areas as they relate to the golf swing during the evaluation process:
First, the thoracic spine plays a huge role in creating a good turn in the backswing and it acts as the primary rotational mover of the spine. Lack of thoracic rotation can lead to low back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain to name a few.
Second, the hip joint allows the lower body to rotate primarily through internal and external rotation. These motions are important for both the backswing and downswing and preventing sway, which is a common swing fault. Lack of hip rotational mobility can commonly lead to low back pain and knee pain.
Last but not least, the foot/ankle plays a vital role in the golf swing. Now, I will say the foot/ankle joints can be a little bit complicated so I will try and keep it simple. Our feet connect us to the ground and with the foot and ankle working together, if our ankle cannot rotate during our swing that will affect everything up the chain as well. If our foot/ankle does not move, then our hips will not move as well or it can lead to pain. So if you have stiff ankles and feet, you may find that you cannot swing as easily or you might have some pain/discomfort in other areas.
If you are a golfer dealing with pain, the team over at Loon State Physical Therapy is able to help. We serve the twin cities communities with locations in Lake Elmo, Linden Hills and Minnetonka. Feel free to call us at (612) 405-8503 or book online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.
Loon State Physical Therapy approaches physical therapy with a fitness forward approach and specializes in treating the active adult. We look forward to working with you!