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Be Prepared to Excel
The nation's 35 million golfers need to take the time to work at their game and their conditioning if they want to excel on the course. "Golfers should have access to a physical therapist that can assess their physical abilities and provide individualized training programs that address musculoskeletal balance, body mechanics, strength, posturing and cardiovascular fitness," notes Keith Kleven,
PT, ATC.
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"Having proper motion, strength, and function throughout the swing play
a large role in preventing injuries," says Kleven. "The payoff of a better swing is a more accurate ball strike, greater distance, and reduced stress on the muscles and joints."
Keeping Injuries at Bay
Kleven observes that his patients who are primarily weekend golfers often complain of spinal-related injuries, including upper and lower back, shoulder and neck pain. "Leisure golfers attempt to swing with the speed and force of professional athletes, but they have to remember that with each swing, seven to eight times a golfer's weight is directed into the spine. With this kind of force, it's easy to damage discs and strain muscles," says Kleven. He says that multiple core (not just abdomen) stabilization exercises are critical. Pilates programs, which Kleven has been recommending since 1975, are excellent injury-prevention tools that can ultimately help golfers improve their performance. |
