Bringing Your Best Game

Spring is in full swing – and that means it’s time for the golf courses to open their gates and for us to dust off the clubs. Golf is one of the most popular parts of the Kootenay lifestyle, and it’s no surprise, given the multitude of courses right in the Kimberley & Cranbrook area.

Golf is generally considered a low-impact sport, but nonetheless, there is a myriad of injuries that often befall regular, and even the most recreational, players. A golf swing may seem simple, but with it’s complicated mechanics and explosive power, it can stress the body and, over time, cause injuries.

Instead of groaning through your next round, trying to pretend those aches and pains aren’t really that bad, it might be time to call the team at Creekside. Our group is experienced in working with golfers – and many of us play ourselves, so we keenly understand the unique needs the sport brings up for our bodies. In fact, Andrew has taken training in the Fit Fore Golf Program, and used to play at the Varsity level for Simon Fraser University.

Repeated rotational stress is one of the most common causes of injury in golf, as are poor swing mechanics and an incorrect set-up. For example, if we developed our swing patterns to compensate for an old injury or pain – even if just slightly – we might be putting ourselves at risk for future injury.

Lower back pain accounts for roughly a third of golf injuries, but that’s not the only place issues crop up. Golfers elbow – technically called medial epicondylitis – is another common ailment, and happens when the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow’s bone become inflamed.

The shoulder often takes the hit, too, since it’s one of the more complex joints in the body and is actively and often used in a round of golf. Knees and wrists are at risk, too.

Thankfully, for any and all of these issues, physiotherapy can be an enormous help. Your physiotherapist will assess your posture, range of motion, joint range, and strength, to accurately get an idea of your unique strengths, weaknesses, and biomechanics. From there, they’ll create a treatment plan for you that might include a combination of manual therapy, massage, acupuncture, and other modalities.

Your physiotherapist will also take time to break down your swing and look at the detailed movements during each of its phases. We’ll see if you’re over-compensating in some areas, or compromising certain places in others. It sounds painstaking, we know, but your golf game (and body!) will thank you for it.

An important part of your recovery is preventing re-injury. Your therapist will take this into account, and might create warm-up and cool-down routines for you to practice, as well as tips for the most optimal posture, stance, and movement to take to the greens.

If you’re an avid golfer, though, you don’t need to wait until you’re injured to come in for a treatment. Regular, and even occasional, appointments can make sure a well-functioning body stays that way and minimize the risk of future injury.

We want you to make the most of this spring and summer, so give us a call at 250-427-2202 and book your appointment to get your body ready for golf season. Let’s get you hitting the links pain-free and closer to the pin!