4 Ways To Avoid Shoulder Injuries While Playing Golf

Michelle Hopkins

If you have taken up golf as a hobby, you might not be expecting any injuries. After all, golf is not a high-impact sport like football and some others. However, about 65% of amateur golfers end up with some injuries. Shoulder injuries are common, and you might have started to feel some discomfort in your shoulders. Luckily, there are some things you can do to protect your shoulders.

Here are some tips to avoid shoulder injuries while you're playing golf:

Stretch Your Muscles

Many golfers don't bother to warm up before they head out onto the course. This results in golfing with tight muscles, and that can make strains and tears more likely. To avoid this, take a few minutes to stretch your neck and shoulder muscles before playing a game. Shoulder rotations, face pulls, neck stretches and other easy exercises can warm up your shoulder muscles and prepare them for the activity ahead.

Use the Rest of Your Body in Your Swing

As an amateur, you might be working on a swing that focuses on your arms and shoulders. However, you can avoid shoulder pain by shifting that focus to your hips, trunk and legs. Your hips and legs should serve as a strong foundation for your swing, and your trunk should twist before you engage your arms in the swing. When you use your entire body to swing the club, there is less pressure on your arms and shoulders, which makes injury of those body parts much less likely.

Make Sure You Have the Right Clubs

If you're bending over too far because you don't have the right clubs, or you are using clubs that are too heavy, you can hurt your shoulder muscles over time. Make sure that you have a professional assist you in choosing clubs, so that they are the right weight and height for your body.

Stop If You're Hurt

There is a persistent rumor that playing past the pain is a good idea, but that is not true. While it is normal to feel sore every now and then after a long day of golf, if you have sharp pain, you need to stop playing immediately. If the pain persists, you need to see a doctor.

If you use the tips above, you will be able to take care of your shoulders when you play golf. If you suspect you have torn a muscle, see a shoulder surgeon right away to determine your options so that your shoulder can feel better. To learn more, contact a company like Interior Alaska Orthopedic & Sports Medicine with any questions or concerns you have.


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