GOLF INJURY PREVENTION
Many
people consider golf a low-level physical activity without the
possibility of injury ever happening to them. But, there is a potential
risk of suffering serious injuries to the elbow, spine, knee, hip, or
wrist.One of the best ways you to stretch your muscles and avoid injury
might be considered old-fashioned. Before your round of golf, engage in
some simple stretching exercises, and then get a bucket of balls and hit
a few golf balls on the driving range. It not only will help your game,
but will make you healthier in the long run.Here are some common golf
injuries and some preventive measures to protect yourself against
injury.
Golfer's Elbow
Leading the list of injuries is golfer's elbow, and one of the best
ways to avoid elbow problems is to strengthen the forearm muscles and
slow the swing so that there will be less shock in the arm when the ball
is hit by the golfer.
To avoid golfer's elbow, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
suggests these simple exercises to help build up your forearm muscles:
Squeeze a tennis ball
Squeezing a tennis ball for five minutes at a time is a simple, effective exercise that will strengthen your forearm muscles.
Wrist curls
Use a lightweight
dumbbell. Lower the weight to the end of your fingers, and then curl the
weight back into your palm, followed by curling up your wrist to lift
the weight an inch or two higher. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm,
and then repeat with the other arm.
Reverse wrist curls
Use a lightweight
dumbbell. Place your hands in front of you, palm side down. Using your
wrist, lift the weight up and down. Hold the arm that you are exercising
above your elbow with your other hand in order to limit the motion to
your forearm. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, and then repeat with
the other arm.
Low Back Pain
Another common complaint among golfers, low back pain, can be caused by a poor swing. The rotational stresses of the golf swing can place considerable pressure on the spine and muscles. Also, poor flexibility and muscle strength can cause minor strains in the back that can easily become severe injuries. Here are some simple exercises to help strengthen lower back muscles and prevent injuries.
RowingFirmly tie the ends of rubber tubing. Place it around an object that is shoulder height (like a door hinge). Standing with your arms straight out in front of you, grasp the tubing and slowly pull it toward your chest. Release slowly. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.
Pull DownsWith the rubber tubing still around the door hinge, kneel and hold the tubing over your head. Pull down slowly toward your chest, bending your elbows as you lower your arms. Raise the tubing slowly over your head. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.
Another common complaint among golfers, low back pain, can be caused by a poor swing. The rotational stresses of the golf swing can place considerable pressure on the spine and muscles. Also, poor flexibility and muscle strength can cause minor strains in the back that can easily become severe injuries. Here are some simple exercises to help strengthen lower back muscles and prevent injuries.
RowingFirmly tie the ends of rubber tubing. Place it around an object that is shoulder height (like a door hinge). Standing with your arms straight out in front of you, grasp the tubing and slowly pull it toward your chest. Release slowly. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.
Pull DownsWith the rubber tubing still around the door hinge, kneel and hold the tubing over your head. Pull down slowly toward your chest, bending your elbows as you lower your arms. Raise the tubing slowly over your head. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.