Thanks to superstar golf players such as Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, and Jimmy Walker, who are all top earners on the PGA tour, golf has grown enormously in popularity over the last decade. According to the National Golf Foundation, there were more than an estimated 27.8 million golfers in the United States in 2004. They played an average of 37 rounds of golf per year, not including practice time. These golfers spent more than $24.3 billion on equipment and golfing fees in 2002. As of 2008, there were more than 16,000 golf courses in the United States. There is no question that golf is a popular sport for many Americans.

Despite its popularity, golf is perceived as a low impact sport with few serious injuries, as compared to baseball, basketball, football, or ice hockey. In fact, golf can lead to joint injuries to the spine, shoulders, knees, and feet. Studies have shown that in one year, 60 percent of professional golfers and 40 percent of amateur golfers sustained some sort of golf related injury. Furthermore, more than 80 percent of these injuries were due to overuse. All of these injuries can be reduced or prevented by regular chiropractic care to keep the spine and joints in top swinging form.

What Are the Various Types of Golfing Injuries?

The most common injury for golfers is to the lower back. This can result from an incorrect swing form or an incorrect stance while setting up for a swing. Golfers may also experience injuries to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder as a result of an improper swing. An incorrect grip on the golf club can lead to wrist and elbow complaints, particularly among professional golfers. Golfers who carry their own bags are more prone to shoulder injuries. In cases where a golfer misses the ball entirely and instead hits turf, the shock can transmit through the entire body, from wrist, to elbow, to shoulders, to back.

Regular Chiropractic Care for Golfing Joint Injuries

The spine, shoulder, elbow, and wrist can be contorted when swinging a golf club. Furthermore, the ball may be hit at speeds up to 100 mph. This all adds up to golfers playing until they experience pain, and only then seeking care.

In addition to a standard examination with static images of the affected joints, Dr. Nathen Horst may also actually want to have the golfer show him his or her swing. This will allow Dr. Horst to pinpoint ways in which the golfer swings that may cause or exacerbate pain. The patient can then work with a golf pro to correct problems with the swing or stance. In addition, Dr. Horst recommends pulling the golf bag, rather than slinging it over a shoulder, and not wearing metal cleats while walking on the green, as they may stick and pull, making it more difficult to walk. Finally, golf clubs should be the right size for the player. A tall player will end up having to bend over too much to play with clubs sized to a much shorter player.

Golf is great exercise, particularly for older patients. Dr. Horst can help golfers keep playing their game in top form and under par. Contact Horst Chiropractic today.