Is there more pain medication in your golf bag than in your home? Is your shoulder pain preventing you from making birdies? Is a full turn when you swing a distant memory?
More than 63% of on-course golfers are over age 40, and more than 20% are over age 65, making aches and pains a common part of the game.
Golf is a low impact sport, but injuries do happen over time. A combination of overuse, an inadequate warm-up routine, poor mechanics and the repetitiveness of the golf swing can take a toll on a golfer’s body leading to muscle, tendon and joint strain. If you have a pain in your back, neck, shoulders, wrists, elbow or knee don’t worry, these are common golf ailments that usually don’t require surgery. However, before self-diagnosing or checking with Dr. Google get in touch with one of the Lake area’s expert orthopedic doctors, you know a real doctor and get a diagnosis.
Lower back pain is one of the most common golf injuries due to all the sudden twisting and turning during a golf swing. Strengthening your core, maintaining good posture and working on flexibility can help minimize back pain.
Rotator cuff pain plagues many golfers. Improper swing technique, lack of flexibility and overswinging can lead to weakness and pain when lifting the arm along with limiting your range of motion. A golf lesson can definitely help with proper swing technique and ease shoulder pain.
Golfers’ Elbow occurs when the tendons attached to the inner part of the elbow are inflamed caused by repetitive stress on the downswing and follow-through from a tight grip. Talk to a golf professional and make sure your swing technique is up to par and maybe invest in an elbow brace to reduce pain. `
A sunburn may seem harmless but seasoned golfers know years in the sun can lead to dry skin, wrinkles and even skin cancer.
Around 27% of golfers have been diagnosed with skin cancer compared to 7% of the general population.
Popular tee times between 11am-3pm result in exposure to the sun’s strongest UV Rays. Sunscreen and hats are your best defense at preventing sunburns and possible skin cancer.
Besides the basics of pain relievers, sunscreen, Band-Aids and Fireball (for birdies and pain), Larry Salsman, PGA Master Professional at Osage National recommends bringing support mechanisms in your bag for the thing that bothers you the most.
“I seem to get a golfer’s elbow at least once a year. I like to keep that brace in my golf bag so when I feel it coming on, I can put it on before it gets too bad,” said Salsman
The most untalked about golf ailment- one that can ruin friendships, drain bank accounts and cause friction in a marriage is golf addiction. One perfect shot can lead to years of chasing that high and create a sense of urgency to get better because you know the potential is there. So, listen to your loved ones if they are concerned with the amount of time you’re spending on your game and remember it’s just a hobby.
Get ahead of the pain and prevent longer setbacks allowing you to play the game you love.