How Golfers can Avoid / Prevent Shoulder Pain While Playing Golf
- Lighten up the golf bag, especially the amateur golfer. Instead of carrying the golf bag, try using a golf pushcart...
- Consider getting fitted for proper golf equipment. Getting golf clubs that are fitted for your height and weight can...
- Arrive on time and warm up on the driving range. Your warmup should...
Why do I have shoulder pain when playing golf?
Shoulder pain is unfortunately common for golfers of all levels, and is often related to overuse of the rotator cuff muscles. These muscles, and the attached tendons, cover the ball of the humerus within the shoulder socket, stabilizing the joint and facilitating its range of motion.
What are the treatment options for a golf related shoulder injury?
Most patients sustaining a golf related shoulder injury will respond to nonsurgical treatment, such as rest and a physical therapy program including: (a) muscular strengthening and flexibility; (b) a pre-game warm-up routine; and (c) the adjustment of an individual’s golf swing to meet their physical capacities and limitations through properly s...
Should you carry your golf bag on a sore shoulder?
To start out, be sure not to carry your golf bag on a sore shoulder. If you feel any type of shoulder pain, especially while playing, you should stop and consult a doctor before returning to the green. Proper equipment and technique are key to preventing injury.
What are the most common shoulder injuries in golf?
In regards to shoulder injuries, the lead shoulder, or the left shoulder in the right-handed golfer, is particularly vulnerable to injury. Common shoulder problems affecting golfers include rotator cuff tears, long head of the biceps tendon injuries, shoulder impingement, osteoarthritis, and shoulder joint instability.
How do you stop shoulder pain when golfing?
Modify your swing by shortening the backswing or reducing follow through. If shoulder rotation becomes limited, you may need longer clubs. Use a rolled up towel under your right arm during practice swings to keep the elbow close to your body and limit strain on the shoulder.
Why does my shoulder hurt when playing golf?
Common shoulder problems affecting golfers include rotator cuff tears, long head of the biceps tendon injuries, shoulder impingement, osteoarthritis, and shoulder joint instability.
How do you strengthen your shoulders for golf?
5:118:19Best Shoulder Workout for Golf - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWorking specifically. If you're doing just one hand you could again do this with both arms with yourMoreWorking specifically. If you're doing just one hand you could again do this with both arms with your head on the bench. Doing.
How can I improve my shoulder flexibility for golf?
1:082:523 Stretches for More Shoulder Turn in Your Golf Swing! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to put your left hand. Under your right hand over and flip the club this way get inMoreYou're going to put your left hand. Under your right hand over and flip the club this way get in down in your Golf posture. And do that same stretch. So this is going to emulate.
How to avoid shoulder pain while playing golf?
To start out, be sure not to carry your golf bag on a sore shoulder. If you feel any type of shoulder pain, especially while playing, you should stop and consult a doctor before returning to the green.
Why do amateur golfers get shoulder pain?
Amateur golfers may be injured because they fail to condition or warm up, or don’t use proper form. Pro golfers are also likely to deal with shoulder pain, thanks to the sheer number of swings they take each day. Aging is another common cause of rotator cuff tears, as the tendons naturally wear down over time.
How to tell if you have rotator cuff injury?
Gradual pain in the shoulder or upper arm is often the first sign of a rotator cuff injury. Or, in the case of a tear due to trauma, you’ll feel immediate and intense pain and weakness. In either case, look out for pain when you raise your arm overhead, or pain that makes it difficult to sleep comfortably. If you continue to play golf without ...
Why does my shoulder hurt after a golf swing?
Shoulder pain is unfortunately common for golfers of all levels, and is often related to overuse of the rotator cuff muscles.
How long does it take for a shoulder to heal after arthroscopic surgery?
Athletes, however, may need arthroscopic surgery to ensure they can continue to use the shoulder for their sport. After the procedure, your shoulder will not be completely healed for about six months, but physical therapy can begin within six weeks.
How to prepare for driving range?
To prep for a game or a day at the driving range, use targeted exercises to condition your muscles, especially those in the shoulders, back, and chest. As you play, take a moment to examine your form. Turning your body as you swing may feel counterintuitive, but it can help prevent shoulder pain, as a full body swing uses the strength ...
Can acromion cause rotator cuff pain?
This means that people over 40 are at an increased risk for injury. Your acromion (a bony process on the shoulder blade) may also develop bone spurs, which can cause an impingement as the spurs weaken the rotator cuff tendon. Gradual pain in the shoulder or upper arm is often the first sign of a rotator cuff injury.
How to avoid shoulder pain while playing golf?
Tips for Avoiding Shoulder Pain While Playing Golf. Use Proper Form. Proper form is the key when avoiding golf injuries. Remember, shoulder motion should come after the hip and trunk motions when performing a downswing. Consistent soreness after a game, even without acute pain, is usually a sign that forms needs correction.
What is the most common shoulder injury to be aware of when you play golf?
Some areas of the shoulder that could be at risk include: Rotator Cuff: The rotator cuff is the most common shoulder injury to be aware of when you play golf. This is the part of the shoulder that’s responsible for stabilizing it ...
What muscles do you use to play golf?
Targeted exercises should focus on the rotator cuff, scapula, major back muscles (the trapezius and latissimus) and the pectoralis – the large muscles of the chest.
Why is my scapula sore?
Although it is not recruited into the golf swing as deeply as other muscles, it can become sore through overwork and prone to more serious problems. Scapular complications are usually a secondary result of other golf injuries.
Why do I get stiffness when I swing my golf club?
People who play golf regularly are at risk of repetitive stress injuries, which can take place when any part of the body is subject to movement through the same range of motion over and over. Every time you swing your club, there is a chance you might experience inflammation, stiffness, and other issues that could persist for some time after ...
How to improve range of motion?
Use the Right Equipment. Longer clubs can help players who are experiencing limited range of motion due to injury or a surgery. In general, making sure your equipment is the right length and weight for you will help you perform better and avoid injuries more easily. Consider Strength Training.
Can you play through the pain?
Don’t try to “play through the pain.”. Not only will the discomfort worsen, but it will make the recovery longer than it would be otherwise. Even if you are injured during a game, you should recover complete, pain-free range of motion quickly.
Golf Shoulder Pain Explained
A common misconception about golf is that it’s a sport with a near-zero risk for injury. This is far from the truth–when compared to sports like rugby and hockey, the likelihood of injury is actually higher.
How to Prevent Shoulder Injuries from Golf
For players looking to avoid sitting out for the season due to painful injuries, prevention is critical. Below are a few key things to consider:
Common Shoulder Injuries and Treatment Options
If you’ve taken all the necessary precautions and still find yourself experiencing shoulder pain, then a visit to a specialist is the best route for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Common shoulder injuries and their associated treatment plans can include the following:
Life changing patient stories
Read about Jack a multi-sport athlete, who suffered from a multi-ligament tear in his knee. Read about Abigail who fell and tore her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Life changing stories of patients healed by Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel.
What are the injuries that occur when you play golf?
Golf injuries originate either from overuse or from a traumatic origin and primarily affect the elbow, wrist, shoulder and the lumbar area. In regards to shoulder injuries, the lead shoulder, or the left shoulder in the right-handed golfer, is particularly vulnerable to injury. Common shoulder problems affecting golfers include rotator cuff tears, ...
Can golf cause shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain from Playing Golf. Though golf is considered a moderate risk activity, an in-depth look at golf reveals that overuse and poor technique can result in serious injury. At first glance, the golf swing may appear to be a relatively simple move.
Use Good Technique
Be sure you have correct overall form and muscle activation patterns to help the shoulder muscles work properly. If your shoulder is sore after a game, you may need to refine your swing.
Avoid Overuse
Overuse injuries can occur from hitting too many golf balls in practice. If your shoulder starts to hurt during a game, stop playing. Don’t resume playing until the pain stops, and see OrthoNY if the pain persists.
Consider Some Obvious Basics
Don’t carry a heavy bag with a sore or aching shoulder. Use the right equipment, and be sure your clubs are at the right length and weight for you. Playing with clubs that are too short can cause you to swing improperly resulting in strains and injury.
Swing With Good Form
Golf is an activity that involves repetitive motions, and bad form can lead to injuries. Take time to practice your swinging form, and it will help to reduce the risk of shoulder related injuries.
Transfer Weight Consistently
Use the larger parts of your body like your legs, hips, and trunk to transfer weight. Shoulder motion should occur after the hip and trunk motion during the downswing.
After Shoulder Surgery
Modify your swing by shortening the backswing or reducing follow through. If shoulder rotation becomes limited, you may need longer clubs. Use a rolled up towel under your right arm during practice swings to keep the elbow close to your body and limit strain on the shoulder.
Why Does my Shoulder Hurt When I Swing a Golf Club?
Golf can have numerous types of injuries. Injuries such as knee tears, hip tears, low back pain, neck pain, mid back pain and of course shoulder pain. In this article, I will talk about shoulder pain when playing golf.
Shoulder Pain When Playing Golf
Shoulder pain when playing golf is very common for professional, semi professional and amateur players. Usually, the types of injures are due to injuries or weakness to the rotator cuff, labrum, biceps, triceps or the entire shoulder girdle.
Normal Shoulder Movement and Golf Swing
The easiest way to begin a backswing is with the left arm and shoulder (for right-handed players). By rotating the upper torso away from the ball, the left side puts the club on a proper swing plane and signals the left hip to turn in the same direction. The result should produce a swing that is connected and in sync.
How Do You Stop Shoulder Pain When Golfing?
The best way to stop shoulder pain when golfing to admit you have an injury. With every patient that I treat on a day-to-day basis, most patients come to me after they have injured themselves weeks, months and years prior to them coming to physical therapy.
Is Golf Bad for the Rotator Cuff?
Golf is not bad for the rotator cuff if the shoulder and shoulder girdle are in proper shape, and have proper strength, proper ROM and mobility to perform such a intricate motion. The main concern is the possibility of either tearing a rotator cuff muscle, the surrounding labrum in the shoulder, or development of tendonitis in the shoulder.
How Can I Strengthen My Rotator Cuff?
Strengthening the rotator cuff doesn’t require having to go get a gym membership or spend thousands of dollars for a personal trainer but you can perform a few simple exercises with the use of a exercises/resistance band.
Where is the pain in the rotator cuff?
Symptoms: Rotator cuff pain isn’t generally felt at the rotator cuff itself. Instead, you’ll feel discomfort not deep in the shoulder but rather on the outside of the upper trail arm, usually at the top of the backswing but sometimes accelerating on the downswing.
How long does it take for a shoulder to heal?
Rest and ice and, if needed, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory should reduce the swelling; combined with strengthening exercises, you can expect improvement in three to seven days.
Is self care the best medicine for golfers?
lllustration by Ben Mounsey-Wood. Self-Care: Prevention remains the best medicine. Golfers are good about limbering up their back prior to play. That’s great, but you need to think of yourself like a baseball pitcher and both train and warm up the entire shoulder musculature so it can withstand golf ’s stresses.
Can golfers get shoulder issues?
As golfers get older, they are more susceptible to shoulder issues. For golfers, age brings wisdom … and a greater chance of rotator cuff pathologies. Sports with repetitive overhead motions, like golf and baseball, often have higher incidents of tears and bursitis, and older people are already susceptible to these issues.
