The Golf Swing

The golf swing is a complex movement pattern which relies on the coordination of all the body’s joints and muscles as well as balance and timing. Because of the length of the club, little variations in the movement are heightened causing greater changes in the clubface trajectory. Due to this reason, a small dysfunction in the movement pattern can lead to large disturbances in performance. If one area is not working to the best of its abilities this causes overload which can lead to a decrease in performance and an increased risk of injury. However, osteopathy helps assist the body return to its normal function. 

Osteopathy & Golf

Osteopaths see the body as a unit, we do not see the body as individual ‘parts’ in isolation, but as connected parts working as a whole. For example, a patient may present with mid-back pain, this may be the result of tight pectoral muscles causing the shoulders to protract (round), causing muscles covering the upper back to be on stretch and therefore reducing movement of the mid-spine. Osteopaths look at the whole chain involved in the golf swing. 

Osteopathic aims for treating golfers:

  • Injury prevention
  • Rehabilitation & recovery of an existing injury 
  • Optimise performance

Common Injury Sites In Golfers

Neck (Cervical Spine)

A golfer needs good neck rotation and stability to help keep good eye-to-ball contact during the swing. A protracted (forward) head can alter and emphasize the natural curvature of the neck which can reduce movement and increase the risk of neck pain. A restriction within the individual joints will disturb the overall movement of the neck.

Upper & Mid Back (Thoracic Spine)

Trunk rotation is a fundamental part of the golf swing. The thoracic spine is responsible for the majority of overall trunk movement. Restrictions found here can lead to over-exertion above and below, shortening swing length, or reducing its efficiency. This can create an imbalance where other joints become more mobile compensating, this decreases the swing fluidity which can reduce accuracy and consistency. 

Lower Back (Lumbar Spine)

With the golf swing ending with the extension of the lower back, this is a common site of complaint. Control and strength of the abdominal muscles help prevent hyperextension of the lower back.

Hip

Hip rotation is important during the follow-through of the swing. Restrictions in this area can lead to extra forces being placed in the lower back or knee causing them to experience extra strains and stresses.

Wrist

Another common injury site in golfers is the lead wrist. The club grip requires good ulnar and radial deviation of the wrist and thumb as well as good strength and control of the muscle helping to prevent excessive force and movement. 

Osteopathy Treatment

Osteopathic treatment: 

Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on treatment involving a combination of techniques depending on your needs. As well as hands-on treatment exercise prescription and advice is given to help increase strength, mobility, balance and coordination. 

“As a golfer, I should consider osteopathy if I wish to“:

  • Recover from injury
  • Prevent Injury
  • Optimise biomechanical movement and control in order to improve performance

If you need help managing your pain, come and see us at Body Beliefs, your local osteopaths in Billericay. We are here to help! We will assess your symptoms and come up with a treatment plan to help relieve the pain. Book online here or call 01277 676 676.