Golf is one of the most popular and commonly played sports in the world, offering a unique blend of skill, precision, and relaxation. However, like any sport, golf carries its own set of injury risks. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, understanding and addressing common golf injuries is essential for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable game for years.
5 Common Golf Injuries
1. Rotator Cuff Injuries
One of the most prevalent injuries among golfers is related to the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is comprised of four small muscles in your shoulder that are responsible for keeping the “ball in the socket”. The repetitive motion of the golf swing can lead to overuse and strain on these shoulder muscles, and the injuries can range from mild inflammation to more severe tears. To prevent such injuries, golfers should focus on shoulder-strengthening exercises and ensure proper upper-body warm-up before hitting the course¹.
2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow is a condition characterized by pain on the inner side of the elbow, caused by overuse of the forearm muscles involved in gripping and swinging. It’s most often exacerbated by faulty swing mechanics, hitting the ground before the ball, or “strong” or “weak” grips on the club. Strengthening exercises, proper swing mechanics, and the use of appropriate equipment can help prevent golfer’s elbow. If symptoms persist, seeking professional medical advice and/or physical therapy treatment is crucial for timely intervention².
3. Back Pain
The golf swing involves a complex interaction of muscles and joints, and back pain is a common complaint among golfers. Poor posture, improper swing mechanics, and lack of flexibility throughout the spine and the hips can contribute to back injuries. Golfers can reduce the risk of back pain by incorporating core-strengthening exercises, maintaining proper posture, and working on hip mobility³.
4. Knee Injuries
The rotational stresses placed on the knees during the golf swing can lead to various injuries, including strains and tears. Knee injuries are often exacerbated by poor weight distribution and improper pivoting during the swing as well as the inability of the hips to rotate adequately. Golfers can protect their knees by practicing proper swing techniques, wearing supportive footwear, and maintaining overall lower body strength⁴.
5. Wrist Injuries
The repetitive nature of gripping and swinging in golf, as well as undesirable contact of the club during the swing, can contribute to wrist injuries, such as strains and sprains. Adequate warm-up, proper swing mechanics, and the use of equipment designed to support the wrists can help prevent these injuries. Golfers should also pay attention to any signs of discomfort and seek medical attention if symptoms persist⁵.
Physical Therapists Can Treat Golf Injuries
While golf is a low-impact sport compared to many others, the repetitive nature and unilaterality of the golf swing make players susceptible to specific injuries. Taking a proactive approach to injury prevention through proper warm-up, strength training, and technique refinement is essential for golfers of all skill levels. Seeing a physical therapist who understands the biomechanical needs of a golf athlete is a crucial step to take for any golfer, whether currently dealing with injuries or hoping to prevent injuries in the future.
References:
1. McHardy, A., Pollard, H., & Luo, K. (2006). Golf injuries: A review of the literature. Sports Medicine, 36(2), 171-187.
2. Shiri, R., & Viikari-Juntura, E. (2016). Varied clinical presentations of golfer’s elbow and its relation to occupational and leisure activities. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 17(1), 80.
3. Vad, V. B., Bhat, A. L., & Basrai, D. (2002). Low back pain in professional golfers: The role of associated hip and low back range-of-motion deficits. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(4), 585-588.
4. Gosheger, G., Liem, D., Ludwig, K., Greshake, O., Winkelmann, W., & Schmitt, J. (2003). Injuries and overuse syndromes in golf. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 31(3), 438-443.
5. Kim, S., Kim, E. S., Kim, Y. H., & Lee, J. C. (2017). Wrist injuries in golf. Journal of the Korean Orthopedic Association, 52(1), 58-64.
