Golfer’s Elbow? 3 Tips to Play Golf Better

Golfer’s elbow is a common injury around the summertime. Many people view golf as a moderately risky, low-intensity sport. However, playing golf can cause many injuries, including elbow, lower back, shoulder, and wrist injuries.

In this post, you’ll learn how to avoid golf elbow injuries and improve your health for a better golf experience.

What Are the Most Common Types of Golf Injuries?

Golfer’s elbow is not the only kind of injury associated with golf. Significant strain is put on the same muscles, joints, and tendons by redoing the same golf swing motion. Ultimately, this can lead to several different types of injuries if proper care is not taken to protect your swing.

Golfer's Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the interior part of your elbow bone. Overuse, or repeating the same motions over and over, damages the forearm muscles and tendons. It causes pain and tenderness on the elbow’s inside.

To prevent elbow problems, focus on strengthening your forearm muscles and slowing your golf swing to reduce shock in your arm when you hit the ball.

Back Pain

Lower back pain is another common ailment that targets golfers. Having a weak core is often the primary cause. Remember, your core is the source of power and stabilization you need during your swing (and most other activities in life!). So, when the muscles weaken, this can result in poor posture and back pain.

Health experts advise that before getting into your golf stance, you should ensure your back remains flat to avoid worsening your back muscles or making them overcompensate for poor form. Also, be sure to brace your core muscles to support your lower back.

Shoulder Pain

Just like golfer’s elbow is associated with repetitive use of your elbow, shoulder pain is associated with repetitive use of the shoulder muscles. Its primary cause is the repetitive movement of swinging a golf club. Poor form while getting ready to swing can also lead to this.

To avoid muscle soreness, stretch your arms and open your shoulders before you begin playing. Icing after the game may also help reduce inflammation and calm the muscles. If the condition persists, visit your physical therapist.

Preventing Golf Elbow and Other Golf Injuries

Here are three best practices to avoid these golf injuries and ensure a healthier, longer game.

1. Always warm up and stretch. Since golf is a more relaxed sport, most people forget to warm up. Injuries often happen because they simply go out to the first tee and begin playing. Instead, try walking or jogging to warm up your muscles. Also, do simple stretches before you start your game.

2. Strengthen your core. A strong core may prevent pain and help improve your golf experience. To do so, focus on strengthening gluteal and abdominal muscles using light weights. Simple workouts can also help the muscles absorb the impact of sudden physical stress.

3. Lift properly. Try keeping your wrist stable and rigid while lifting anything to lessen the force on your elbow. Your shoulders also help to produce a significant amount of force on your swing’s rotation. Ensure you aren’t compromising good form and posture to hit that ball harder.

Golfer injuries can happen to anyone at any time. If you continue to experience pain or suffer from one of these common injuries, don’t wait any longer, it is time to give BC + PT a call! With a team of chiropractors and physical therapists that can’t be beat, you'll be able to get back to your game and go for that hole in one!