The Benefit of Chiropractic for the Avid Golfer

We’ve had a number of our patients taking advantage of the great weather to hit the courses and get in as many games as they can in this great weather. Many of them have made Chiropractic not just as a solution to their everyday health concerns, but also to improve their performance on the golf course. Chiropractic can help you feel confident with each swing! The following are some common injuries that an avid golfer would go through and how Chiropractic can help reduce the effects:  

Repetitive Strain Injuries 
SWING. SWING. SWING. A major cause for injury in the golf community is repetitive strain injuries from repetitive motions. Although not every swing requires the same amount of power, everyone has their own technique and mechanics to get their best hit. Especially spending a day on the course or driving range, imagine the toll the same repetitive motion has on the body, let alone the spine. This can often lead to back or neck pain, especially from all the rotational forces that go through the spine. Add the occasional bending and looking down at the ball all day, and it’s a recipe for repetitive strain. A poor technique can also add to the strain on the body with each swing.

Lower Extremity Injury 
Foot. Ankle. Knee. Hip. Depending on how you load your body with each swing, lower extremities are common areas of injury for avid golfers. The hip takes the largest impact from the swing, but that energy can also be
translated through the knee, ankle and foot dependent on your stance and swing posture. It’s also important to take into consideration the strength of the muscles not only surrounding your spine, but also into the base of your body: your legs. For a lot of people who have desk jobs, your lower extremities are prone to weakness because they are not as active throughout the day. And to go onto a golf course without really strengthening your legs can make you susceptible to injury. Misalignments in your extremities can also be a source of injury as it leads to direct trauma or compensation in areas that shouldn’t take on that load.

Based on all of this, it’s highly beneficial to be in improved alignment to get the most out of each swing. Chiropractic care not only helps settle things into proper alignment, but also helps improve load distribution and, in turn, performance. Make sure you take time to stretch before and after playing, staying properly hydrated, but also getting to know more about your body and its limitations so that you’re not prone to more injury as you play. Golf has proven to be a great past time for people of a wide age range, and your Mississauga Chiropractor can help make sure you’re in tip-top shape to have your best game. If you’d like to consult with us, contact us at (905)821-4951.