Prevent Golf Injuries

Golf, although considered a low-risk sport, can be associated with significant injuries. Most injuries are a result of overuse or lack of proper technique. Common golf injuries include injuries to the lower back, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.

To prevent golf injuries and improve your form, follow these tips:

• Maintain a proper posture. Place your feet at shoulder-width with knees slightly bent. Your spine should be relatively straight and trunk tilted forward. The hips should generate most of the movement.
• Force needs to be transferred smoothly to all the muscle groups right from your wrist to your ankle. Overemphasizing on a particular part of the body may result in injury.
• Maintain a consistent swing. Swinging too fast or hard can stress your joints.
• Before playing warm up for at least 10 minutes by taking a brisk walk and stretching of your hands, shoulders, spine and elbows. Swinging your golf club also helps. Always start slowly and work up to the level of activity you desire. Straining may do more harm than good.
• Perform strength and flexibility exercises. Stronger muscles are less prone to injury and stretching improves your range of motion for a better swing.
• Perform aerobic activities regularly such as swimming, jogging or walking to build your endurance.
• Dress comfortably and use the recommended footwear such as golf shoes with short cleats.
• Hitting the ground or other rough objects while swinging may cause wrist and elbow injuries.
• If you are carrying your own golf bag, use correct lifting techniques such as using your legs to lift and keeping your back straight.