Getting Back in the Swing of Things

The weather has already started getting nicer, and everyone is beginning to transition out of hibernation mode and into getting active again. For a significant percentage of guys, that means getting out and hitting the links. You may have already managed to squeeze in a few rounds and have noticed that the time off over the season has resulted in a few aches and pains with your return.

Do not ignore these symptoms! Yes, they may get better as the season progresses, but they could also be your body letting you know that something is not right. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new golfer, these tips can help you transition into the season and limit your risk of injury. 
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1. Get you some form of exercise every day. This can be something as simple as walking for 30 minutes. This is especially helpful during the offseason and can help you manage those rounds where it is cart path only. 
2. Stretch before and after the round. I cannot emphasize this enough! Swinging a golf club is a whole-body job and we need to make sure that our tissues are ready for the task, or we are risking a sprain/strain injury.  A physical therapist is an excellent resource to help customize a stretching program specifically for the tissues that will be challenged during golf. 
3. Head to the range and practice using all your clubs. I know it is tempting to grab that driver and just blast through a bucket of balls but you need to get used to all the motions that you will use out on course, not just on the tee. 
4. Use the right sized equipment. It is not going to do your body any favors to use a set of clubs designed for a taller person when you are of average height or vice-versa. It might be a little pricier to have golf clubs custom fitted, but it will pay off with lower scores and fewer injuries. 
5. Start off the season by seeing a physical therapist. Physical therapists are experts in movement and can assess your joint mobility, strength, and flexibility to help you address any issues prior to picking up your bag. Improved mobility means less chance of injury and more power in your swing.  

Let us help you “get back in the swing of things” and stay there by seeing one of our talented Physical Therapists at PT Plus!

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These PT Pro Tips are brought to you by our Greenfield Therapist, Ryan Schaul PT, MPT. 

​Ryan enjoys hiking, travel, and SCUBA diving. Ryan is a certified PADI Divemaster and enjoys helping teach others to dive.

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