Shoulder Injuries and Golf
Growing numbers of people have begun to play golf every year; golf is very unique as the ability to participate in the sport at a high level in older age is normal to see. Participants often play more golf rather than less as they grow older which can lead to overuse injuries that appear over these busy summer seasons involving many rounds each week. Although often perceived as a leisurely sport, golf can often lead to many repetitive stress injuries, traumatic injuries, and chronic issues that arise over time. The lead shoulder or the left-shoulder in a right-handed golfer can often become a problem site for many golfers. Common issues that arise with golf athletes include subacromial impingement, pain at the acromioclavicular joint, rotator cuff tendinopathy, rotator cuff tears, and glenohumeral instability.
In order to achieve proper swing mechanics the golfer must have proper shoulder blade stability and mobility of the shoulder joint. Shoulder function may be normal when standing upright, but can become very limited when in a “golf posture” that is seen when bent over and addressing the golf ball. Often when in golf posture shoulder mobility can be lost due to the shoulder blade lacking stability. If the shoulder blade elevates or flares due to muscular imbalances or poor posture in a golf stance this can result in a poor base for the shoulder joint to move on causing a reduction in external rotation of the shoulder joint. This limitation may lead to further pain and even reduce your ability to move how you need to achieve your most efficient golf swing.
The rotator cuff muscles provide stability for the shoulder and are major contributors in the power production and transfer of energy from your torso, through your shoulder, down the shaft of the club, and into the golf ball. Rotator cuff strengthening, stretching, and shoulder mobility drills are all important components to shoulder health and preventative exercises that can reduce rates of injury and help improve a shoulder issue you may be dealing with. Resistance band exercises can be used to warm up shoulder muscles, the thoracic spine, and stabilizing muscles around your back and shoulder blades. Resistance bands can be easily stored in a golf bag and be used quickly and efficiently at the course to get your body ready for a long day of golf.
A physiotherapist can understand and improve your issue through assessment and a comprehensive treatment plan that can get you back to your best golf game. If you are having shoulder irritation, pain, reduced range of motion or any injury that is affecting your golf swing do not hesitate to book in with a physiotherapist today.
Kim, D. H., Millett, P. J., Warner, J. J. P., & Jobe, F. W. (2004). Shoulder Injuries in Golf. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 32(5), 3–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464820958550
Zouzias, I. C., Hendra, J., Stodelle, J., & Limpisvasti, O. (2018). Golf Injuries: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 26(4), 116–123. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00433