Golf Injuries - Prevention

Whenever I have watched golf tournaments on television I always wondered how anyone gained a lick of exercise from playing that game. The golf pros and media coverage make it look so easy. It wasn’t until a few years ago when someone gave me a couple of tickets to a tournament in Florida that I developed an appreciation for the amount of physical energy 18 holes of golf required.

This is what appears to the non-golfer on TV. The cameras show the golfers consulting the caddies, sizing up the fairway, addressing the ball, and then in one second with one smooth motion – whack – sending the ball whizzing out of sight. The hushed voices of the commentators make it seem like a quiet game. The TV screen jumps to the next player on the green, lining up the putt. That’s physical?

But what the cameras don’t show is that walking the course is sometimes six miles! They don’t show the physical training a golfer endures to maintain flexibility, stamina, and strength. They don’t show the practice swings and games.

Listen to the conversations in the clubhouse at the end of the day and you will understand the challenges the game presents. Watch out for the expletives. I think concentration along with physical conditioning is critical for a consistently good game. I am not a golfer, but I have listened to enough of the post-game discussions to have learned.

Can a golfer get injured? Yes, especially one who is not in good physical shape. For information on how to warm up and good golf posture go to the Mayo Clinic article on stretching exercises to help with flexibility before playing golf. Also see their section on golf injuries and what to do about them.

Consider using ice to reduce the swelling before using heat. Heat helps relax tight muscles, improve flexibility, and aids circulation after the swelling has gone down. Consult a doctor for acute pain.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads can be frozen and used as gentle ice packs to reduce swelling and pain. Check out their Back Warmers and Neck Warmers which can be used to wrap around an elbow or knee.