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Golf Injuries

Golf may appear to be a low-impact sport, but the repetitive nature of the swing, combined with poor mechanics, overuse, and lack of conditioning, can lead to a surprising number of injuries. The golf swing involves complex movements that put strain on the spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hips. Many golfers—both recreational and competitive—develop chronic pain or acute injuries that require physical therapy for pain management, improved function, and return to play.

Injuries We Treat The Most

The rotational forces and repetitive bending during the golf swing make the lower back one of the most frequently injured areas in golfers. Poor swing mechanics, limited core strength, or restricted hip mobility often lead to muscle strain or disc-related issues. Physical therapy addresses these problems by improving core stabilization, spinal mobility, and swing mechanics to reduce stress on the lumbar spine.
Unlike tennis elbow, which affects the outer elbow, golfer’s elbow causes pain and inflammation on the inside of the elbow due to repetitive wrist flexion and gripping. This condition often arises from overuse or improper grip technique. Therapy includes forearm strengthening, soft tissue work, and ergonomic adjustments to the swing and grip.
The repetitive overhead motion and high-velocity acceleration of the swing can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis or even partial tears, especially in older players. Symptoms often include shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular muscles, restoring range of motion, and correcting mechanics during the backswing and follow-through.
The wrists absorb a significant amount of force during the swing, especially if a golfer hits the ground or an object. This can result in tendinitis or sprains in the wrist and forearm. Physical therapy targets inflammation reduction, grip strengthening, and flexibility training, along with swing adjustments to minimize stress on the wrists.
The hips play a key role in generating power during the swing, and limited mobility or poor control can lead to strain or labral irritation. Golfers may experience deep groin or hip joint pain, particularly on one side. Rehabilitation often includes improving hip rotation, strengthening surrounding muscles, and restoring proper swing mechanics to prevent recurrence.

Start Your Path To Pain Relief With A Specialist

If you or a family member have been dealing with persistent pain for more than three weeks without improvement, a visit to a licensed physical therapist could be highly beneficial. While many aches and pains improve on their own, ongoing issues often need a professional evaluation from a musculoskeletal expert.