Playing golf looks like a relaxing game that involves a lot of walking. However, golf is very physical. There are several types of injuries that can make it difficult or impossible to play.
Back injuries
The first impediment to your game is back injuries. Back injuries can occur or be aggravated by how the golf swing puts pressure on the spine and surrounding muscles. Golfers also spend a lot of time in a bent-over stance, repeating the same motion hundreds of times. Bending to pick up a ball, check the angle of a shot etc. Doing those things can cause injury to your back, or aggravate an existing one.
Tendinitis or golfer’s elbow
Tendinitis in the elbow, or golfer’s elbow. It is a common injury in people who routinely perform activities that require repetitive movements. Whether it is caused or aggravated by the repetitive swing or an improper swing motion. Continuing to play with golfer’s elbow will only cause more pain.
Bursitis
You can also get or aggravate tendonitis or bursitis in the shoulder cuff as well. Injuries to the rotator cuff can be caused by traumatic force resulting from a poorly executed golf swing, hitting a root or rock, taking a deep divot, and from overuse.
Repetitive motions
In short, the repetitive motions and rotational motions used in the game of golf are problematic in causing or aggravating injuries to back, shoulder, elbow, wrists, hands, necks, hips, knees and ankles. These joints are stressed by the motions of the game.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy for any pain or injuries will help. Your physical therapist, while probably not a golf pro, can help you find a better way to swing or exercises you can use to strengthen the muscles surrounding those joints.
