Sunday, October 25, 2009

Get Fit to Avoid Golf Injuries

By Yong Kim, DC

Sports injuries happen to both pros and amateurs alike, and they can happen in any type of sport. Even when you know what to look out for, sometimes an injury in a specific sport can't be prevented. Fortunately, if you keep physically fit, if you're injured, it is likely to be less traumatic. You need to be sure that your fitness level is right for the sport. For example, when playing golf, you'll be less likely to be injured if you make sure your joints are mobile and that your muscles are limber prior to your day on the course. Remember to use proper form and good posture while you're playing, and be sure to allow yourself enough cool down and relaxation time afterwards.

Golf injuries can happen to anyone, amateur or pro. It has been estimated that over thirty percent of pro golfers playing concurrently are playing with injury. On the positive side, general good health and fitness can decrease the number of injuries a person may incur and may possibly prevent them.

It is crucial for you to have good body strength in the muscle regions most utilized when golfing. But, before you make an effort to build muscle strength, it's important to determine that your spine is aligned and has good mobility. A reliable golf swing depends on your spine's capacity to effectually rotate effectually. Back injuries are the most common sort of injuries suffered by golfers. Your chiropractor will take care that your spine is in healthy alignment and that there is effectual movement of the vertebrae. Chiropractic treatment can go a long way in helping you to prevent back injury.

It's time to strengthen once you're "straightened." A safe, injury-free day on the green is contingent upon your being prepared for your golf activity. You can warm up your muscles and make muscle strain less likely by doing golf stretching and flexibility exercises. Flexibility in all areas of the body can be escalated fairly quickly through full body range of motion (ROM) exercises. In addition, elastic band conditioning can provide targeted golf range of motion advantages and can increase needed strength in the shoulders, hips and deep muscles of the core. Since elastic band training offers the dynamic resistance that ordinary weight lifting does not, sports professionals, like your chiropractor, are adding them to their golf conditioning programs.

Quite a few golfers suffer from "Golfer's Elbow" along with back injuries. Despite the fact that golfer's elbow and tennis elbow are nearly the same injuries, there is a minute difference between them. Tennis elbow impinges the outside of the upper arm whereas golfer's elbow impinges the inner arm. Golfer's elbow, like tennis elbow, can result from a single intense action, such as (in golf) hitting the mat at the driving range or striking a hard fairway surface. Although, it generally is produced by repetitive stress from smaller shocks. Moreover, it can happen to those who all at once start playing too much golf. As a case in point, if those that usually play golf once or twice a month elect to play in a tournament, they are conceivably at risk for developing the injury.

Golf makes exclusive requirements on our body. Fatigue can be problematic because the game usually lasts longer than most other sports. Unhealthy posture and impeded coordination are often the consequences of a fatigued body. This combination can create an assortment of injuries. In addition, as a result of the continuous swinging of the golf clubs, the shoulder muscles are susceptible to injury. Just as it is essential for you to stretch and warm up before you start your golf game, be sure that you rest your body properly between games.

It is surprising to some that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is sometimes related to golf. But, many games of golf played over several months constantly may cause this type of repetitive stress injury. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be an extremely damaging injury producing disability and occasionally requiring surgery. However, if a health professional, such as your chiropractor, diagnoses it at an early stage, chiropractic care and, frequently, the use of a brace will help the condition.

The majority of golfers appear to think that injuries are merely an inevitable part of a golfer's life, but there is much that you can do to make your golfing experience less risky. Begin with an aligned and flexible spine, strengthen with appropriate exercise and muscle conditioning, reach and maintain an appropriate fitness level for the game, and be sensible. Be prepared for your game with a good warm up and get the recuperation you require after your game is over. You might just make your golfing experience totally injury-free!

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