Many people consider golf a low-level physical activity without much risk for injury. Many injuries can be caused by playing golf, however, including injuries to the ankle, elbow, spine, knee, hip, and wrist.
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were more than 55,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms for golf-related injuries in 2009.
Most golf injuries are the result of overuse. By repeating the same golf swing motion over and over again, significant stress is placed on the same muscles, tendons, and joints. Over time, this can cause injury.
Golfers most often experience hand tenderness or numbness, and may also have shoulder, back, and knee pain. Golfer’s elbow and wrist injuries, such as tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, may also occur.
Leading the list of injuries is golfer’s elbow, technically known as medial epicondylitis. Golfer’s elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the inside of the bone at your elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow.
Low back pain is another common complaint among golfers. It is often 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.
One of the best ways to avoid elbow problems is to strengthen your forearm muscles and slow your golf swing so that there will be less shock in the arm when the ball is hit.
The following simple exercises can help build up your forearm muscles and help you avoid golfer’s elbow. For best results, do these exercises during the off-season, as well.
Here are some simple exercises to help strengthen lower back muscles and prevent injuries.
One of the best ways to get ready for your golf game might be considered old-fashioned. Before your round of golf, do some simple stretching exercises, focusing on your shoulders, back, and legs. 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.