Golf-FAQ.com

why does my left upper arm hurt when i swing a golf club

by Fred Witting Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The first step is to determine what's causing the pain. Two options could be muscle overuse or inflammation of the rotator cuff caused by poor swing mechanics. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that surround the shoulder joint. In either case, you'll need to decrease your playing time and let your shoulder rest.

Full Answer

Why does my shoulder hurt when I Swing my golf clubs?

When golfers keep the left arm tight to the chest as they swing back, they can tear the labrum that stabilizes the shoulder joint. This is called a posterior labral tear, and the golfer feels pain in the back of the shoulder. — Andrews

Why do my arms feel tight after playing golf?

You may be unable to move your arm freely because of the swelling, making your arm feel tight and stiff. Any exertion, for instance lifting your club in your backswing, will feel extremely painful. Pulled muscles in the arm can be caused by repetitive activity, exercise or sports activites like golf.

Why does my wrist hurt after golfing?

If you’ve been noticing a gradual increase in wrist pain after golfing, it may be tendinitis. Wrist tendinitis comes with overuse or poor form. Stress from swinging the club causes tiny tears in your wrist tendons. Those tendons get inflamed and cause pain. One of the injuries we see is so common in golfers that the sport is in its name.

Why does my Back Hurt after playing golf?

The golf swing (not to mention the hunched-over putting stance many of us get into) puts great stress on the golfer's back, so it's no surprise back pain is the most common problem for golfers. Back pain in golfers might be mechanical or disc-related, arthritis-related, or caused by a stress fracture, among other possible causes.

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What is the right arm for golf?

As Tattersall says, your trail arm — which is your right arm for right-handed golfers, or left arm for left-handers — can and does a variety of different things on the backswing. “The right arm can fan a little bit, it can rotate, and it can lift. All those things happen in most people’s backswing,” Tattersall says.

Why is the trail arm important?

Your trail arm has an incredibly important role in the golf swing, one with the ability to both help — and hurt — the outcome of the shot you’re about to hit. When something goes wrong in a golfer’s downswing, it generally does so in one of two ways: Either the arms both work too far behind you at the start of the downswing ...

Is trail arm mechanics hard to diagnose?

Trail arm mechanics tough to diagnose unless you’ve sifted through the 3D data.

How to avoid hitting a golf club with your left hand?

HOW TO AVOID INJURY: If you grip the club with your left hand in a weak position, the thumb down the top of the handle (above, 1), you risk having a flat or even bowed left wrist at impact. Instead, rotate your left hand away from the target about 30 degrees from that weak position. This will put the thumb at about 1:30 on an imaginary clock face, more down the right side of the grip, and create the slight cup you want in the wrist (2). — Johnson

Why do amateur golfers get injured?

Hank Johnson: I agree that most injuries to amateurs come from faulty technique, often because they overreach their capabilities. You have average players trying to copy tour players, and they get (a) frustrated and (b) hurt. After Dr. Andrews explains the injuries, I'll give you a setup or swing adjustment that takes some strain off that part of the body. These adjustments might move you away from the ideal biomechanics of the golf swing, but they'll help you do something even more important: Keep playing golf.

What happens when you swing a golf shot?

WHAT HAPPENS: A strained lower back is the most common golf injury, and the one most likely to shorten a career. The modern power swing is all about the rotation of the pelvis through the shot. The torque this creates between the pelvis and the lumbar spine pulls the ligaments, tendons and muscles in that area. Also, the shearing effect can wear away the discs between the vertebrae in the lumbar spine, leading to disc disease; that's the real career-ender. — Andrews

What is a labral tear in golf?

But labral tears (torn cartilage) are becoming common and often can be traced to the backswing. When golfers keep the left arm tight to the chest as they swing back, they can tear the labrum that stabilizes the shoulder joint. This is called a posterior labral tear, and the golfer feels pain in the back of the shoulder. — Andrews

What is it called when you have tennis elbow?

It's called lateral epicondylitis , or tennis elbow. Golfer's elbow affects the inside of the trail arm and is caused by the repeated straining and rotation of that arm through impact, but it's less common. — Andrews. HOW TO AVOID INJURY: Many golfers confuse keeping the left arm straight with locking it (below, 1).

How to avoid injury in golf?

HOW TO AVOID INJURY: Players who don't turn well in the backswing tend to pin the left arm across the chest ( above, 1). Turning the upper body can be physically challenging for some golfers; others find it just plain scary, because they feel as if they won't get back to hit the ball.

What happens when you swing through the left side of your knee?

This results in the inner side of the left knee absorbing a tremendous amount of torque and compression. Many golfers square the left foot and lock the knee in an internally rotated position (right, 1), which leads to an increased shearing force on the knee joint. The typical injury is to the medial meniscus and can lead to degeneration of the articular cartilage and arthritis. — Andrews

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, ...

What is the treatment for a golf 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 supervised golf lessons.

How long is the Cleveland Shoulder Institute golf program?

At the Cleveland Shoulder Institute, we highly encourage the adoption of our “Five Week Interval Golf Program.” This is a structured progressive rehabilitation program aimed at accelerating the return to play golf for our patients who suffered a shoulder injury or after undergoing a shoulder related surgery. This program is comprised of a set of several swings using different clubs performed three days a week, for four weeks. By the fifth week, our patients can enjoy a game of nine holes. Click here for a copy of this golf interval program.

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.

What causes rotator cuff pain in golf swing?

4. Rotator Cuff – Pain may be felt in the shoulder or upper arm at various phases of the golf swing, or following play, often during the night and when extending arms overhead. Injuries to the rotator cuff can be sustained through traumatic force resulting from a poorly executed golf swing, hitting a root or rock, taking a deep divot, and from overuse. Golfers can develop tendinitis, bursitis, and tears in the rotator cuff due to the repetitive motion of the golf swing.

What are the risks of golf swings?

5. Wrist Injuries – The repetitive motions of golf, and the high speed of the typical swing can place wrists at a high risk for injury. Pain and tenderness on the top of the wrist, experienced at the top of the backswing and at impact, are common.

How to treat rotator cuff injury?

Rotator cuff injuries are usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. In some instances, surgical repair becomes necessary. In these cases, modifications to the golf swing, combined with strength conditioning could alleviate symptoms and prevent further injury. 5.

How to prevent golf injuries?

Preventing the most common golf injuries can be done by working on improving swing mechanics, participating in golf-specific conditioning programs, buying properly fitted equipment, avoiding long practice sessions, always performing a warm up routine before practice and play, and (golf-specific) stretching frequently.

What happens when you hit a golf club and your neck is frozen?

After a few hours of swinging the club and hitting balls, the neck muscles may shorten in spasm and freeze the neck into a painful position.

What is the difference between tennis elbow and golf elbow?

It is frequently referred to as “tennis elbow” when there is an injury to the outer tendon, and “golfer’s elbow” when there is an injury to the inner tendon. Interestingly enough, most golfers suffer more from “tennis elbow” than “golfer’s elbow.”.

How to keep your back healthy for golf?

To keep your back healthy for golf, add exercises that stretch and strengthen your back. 2. Tendinitis in the Elbows – Tendinitis (irritation and inflammation of the tendon tissue) is the most common condition affecting the elbow. It is frequently referred to as “tennis elbow” when there is an injury to the outer tendon, ...

What is the pain in the upper arm of the elbow?

Golfer's elbow is an inflammation, soreness or pain on the inside of the upper arm near the elbow. Tennis elbow is actually more common among golfers than golfer's elbow. Symptoms: Pain and tenderness on outer side of left elbow (tennis elbow) and inner side of right elbow (golfer's elbow). Pain may be greatest at the top ...

What is the most common injury in golf?

Back pain is the most common injury among golfers. Jamie Squire/Getty Images. The golf swing (not to mention the hunched-over putting stance many of us get into) puts great stress on the golfer's back, so it's no surprise back pain is the most common problem for golfers. Back pain in golfers might be mechanical or disc-related, arthritis-related, ...

How to treat a scapular shoulder?

Treatments: Among the possible treatments are rest, medication, therapy, cortisone, surgery. Do : Maintain proper strength and flexibility of the shoulder and scapular muscles (of both shoulders). Slow down the backswing to reduce stress on the shoulders.

Why does my finger lock up?

Trigger finger can cause a finger or fingers to lock up. The condition is caused when the flexor tendon sheath, through which the finger tendons run, is inhibited. Symptoms: Painful locking and snapping of the finger. Treatments: Among the possible treatments are cortisone and surgery.

Why does my wrist bang?

Impaction syndromes of the wrist are caused when the bones of the wrist bang into one another due to excess or repetitive movements.

Why slow down the backswing?

Slow down the backswing to minimize rotational stress on the lower back at the top of the backswing.

How to treat a swollen back from a golf ball?

Do : Use proper back mechanics when lifting your bag. Bend through the knees (squat) when retrieving the ball.

How to get rid of a pulled arm in golf?

Here are some examples of warm-up activities. Taking your club in a horizontal position, with your left hand on the clubhead and your right hand in the grip, reach overhead and stretch your arms, holding that position for a few seconds to loosen and stretch arm muscles. Take the club back past your head as far back as is comfortable. With this same position, bend from side to side, stretching not only the arms, but the hips as well. Release the club, and with your right arm, reach up to the sky, keeping the arm close to your right ear. Bend the arm backwards at the elbow. Take your left hand and press the right elbow back, stretching the triceps. Hold this position for a few seconds; then do the same exercise with your left arm.

How to tell if you have a pulled muscle in your arm?

Signs of a pulled muscle in the arm are sharp pains or spasms that are recurring. Swelling in the arm as a result of a buildup of fluids inside the muscle tear and a sensation of tenderness are usually sign s of a pulled muscle. You may be unable to move your arm freely because of the swelling, making your arm feel tight and stiff. Any exertion, for instance lifting your club in your backswing, will feel extremely painful.

How long does it take for a pulled muscle in the arm to heal?

The healing process in a pulled muscle in the arm usually takes from one to two weeks. After the pain has subsided, ease into your golf routine.

Can golfers pull their arm?

Every golfer recognizes the pain of a pulled muscle in the arm. The repetitive motion of the golf swing can contribute to muscle strain, causing small tears in the muscle. Here are ways to recognize the symptoms, methods to care for a pulled muscle and preventive measures to take to avoid the occurrence of a pulled muscle in the arm.

What muscles are involved in shoulder pain?

Muscles can be broken down into a couple of different categories in the shoulder. To make it simple, we will start with rotator cuff and non-rotator cuff, and even getting further than that, muscles of the trunk, the legs, and hips, and so on, are very important in decreasing the possibility of shoulder conditions.

What are the two structures that are involved in the pinching of the shoulder?

The two bony structures involved are the humeral head and the acromion process of the scapula. Between these two structures are tendons and a bursa. If they become crushed, they can create a pinching pain with shoulder elevation…hence the name “impingement.”.

Which muscle group holds the shoulder ball and socket together?

The rotator cuff is the group of four muscles that hold the shoulder ball and socket together.

Why should a doctor evaluate you for shoulder instability?

Note: with shoulder instability, a doctor should really evaluate you because some types of instability are surgical cases while others respond really well to rehab. As a general rule, if there was trauma involved and you’re a young person, then you’re most likely going to be a surgical case. Shoulder Rehab Podcast.

What attaches the muscle to the bone?

The tendon is what attaches the muscle to the bone, and in this case, the tendon has become irritated.

What is shoulder blade strength?

Shoulder blade strength is the ability of the shoulder blade (or scapula) to keep its proper position and move well when needed.

Do you have to fall to tear a rotator cuff?

You don’t have to fall to have a rotator cuff tear. Keep swinging like a weekend warrior and you could have one develop over the years.

How to heal a swollen shoulder from golf?

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. Google “the Thrower’s Ten” exercise program and get cracking on internal and external rotation strengthening. Once you experience shoulder discomfort, use common sense. 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.

Where does rotator cuff pain come from?

This comes from an impingement of the rotator cuff or its being overloaded.

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.

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.

What part of the body does golf swing feel tight?

Legs . Although most of the movement during your golf swing occurs from the waist up, your legs have to provide a great deal of support and it’s not uncommon for them to get sore from time to time (even if you ride in a cart). While the most common area you’re likely to feel some tightness is in your hamstrings, soreness can occur anywhere (calves, ...

What is the most common injury in golf?

Arms and Shoulders. The most common golf injury when it comes to this part of the body is “tennis elbow” (sometimes referred to as “golfers elbow”). It’s generally caused by repetitive movements and overextension of the elbow and common symptoms include soreness or tenderness on the outside of the elbow. There are a number of remedies available ...

Where does soreness occur?

While the most common area you’re likely to feel some tightness is in your hamstrings, soreness can occur anywhere (calves, quads, groin). Knee pain on the other hand, maybe a sign of something a little more serious.

Is golf a pain?

Common Golf Aches and Pains – Which Ones are Okay and Which Ones Aren’t. Though golf isn’t quite as physically demanding as sports like football or basketball, it does require players to put their bodies in a lot of unusual and straining positions.

Can Tiger Woods damage his knees?

Your knees take on a lot of stress in your downswing and the last thing you want is damage to any of your major ligaments. Tiger Woods is living proof that even with a near perfect swing, the pressure put on your knees can be enough to cause major structural damage.

Is it normal to have a sore back when swinging?

Back. The twisting and rotating that goes on during your golf swing can put a lot of stress on your back and for that reason, a little soreness now and then is very normal.

Is it okay to have sharp pain in your back?

Sharp pain or stinging sensations aren’t okay. If you feel some uncomfortableness in your back and you don’t think it’s muscular, you may want to see a doctor. These types of pains are often associated with nerve injuries or spinal issues and playing through the agony only makes them worse.

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