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"Early in the season we see a majority of low back pain and shoulder injuries," said Gerald Loehr, a physical therapist with NWH. "Specifically in the Northeast region, most golfers don’t touch a club for the winter months and on the first nice day go onto the course and expect to pick-up right where they left off. The extreme ranges of motion in a golf swing without the ability to stabilize particular segments puts joints and muscles under strain and leads to increased risk for injury."
In order to keep the body limber, Loehr recommends warming up prior to starting a round. "Perform a warm-up that emulates similar movements within a golf swing, such as rotary/rotational movements. This improves the mobility of your hips, thoracic spine and shoulders, and creates dynamic tension around your joints for stability." He also suggests stretching after nine holes, or at the turn, to reduce the effects of muscle tightness due to the repetitive motion of the golf swing.
Northern Westchester Hospital will share these and other tips with area golfers at FORE Your Health: Injury Prevention and Treatment for Golfers at Athlete's Warehouse in Pleasantville from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on April 18. There, sports medicine specialists will discuss a variety of prevention, treatment and exercise plans for golfers of all ages and skill levels. These will include tips on stretching techniques, spine and hip injury prevention as well as additional performance routines designed to build a stronger golfer body.
Guests will also have the chance to see the revolutionary Keiser training system, which specifically targets and strengthens many of the key muscle groups used when playing golf. Light refreshments will be included as well. To reserve a spot, click here.
