GOLF & CHIROPRACTIC

FROM TEE TO GREEN

Dr. Sarah Corcoran

One Liner

An interesting thing about GOLF is that no matter how badly you play, it is always possible to get

worse.

Golf FUN Facts

• 33% increase in players ‘86 –’97

• 22% increase in golf courses ’86-’97• 20% of golfers play 25 rounds or more/year• 50% of golfers are b/w 18 & 39 years of age• 25% are Seniors – 55 and over• 5% are junior golfers up to age 17

• 65% of golfers are in PAIN…

30 Million Americans Are Now Playing Golf!

GOOD CONDITIONING IS CRITICAL FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANC

E &AVOID INJURY…

Common Golfing Injuries

• Amateur Males

1. Lower Back

2. Elbows

• Amateur Female

1. Elbows

2. Lower Back

#1 Mechanism of Golfing Injuries = Poor Swing Mechanics

Lower Back InjuriesCauses-Corrections-Rehab

• Lower Back Spine Loads L3-L4

• Front to Back Shearing of Discs

• Nerve Compression

50% more torque in the Amateur Golfer’s

lower back

Lower Back InjuriesCauses-Corrections-Rehab

Corrections for Reducing Lumbar Spine Strain

• Minimize difference b/w shoulder and hip rotation• Follow through –spine perpendicular to ground• Long Irons increase torque & stress• Lightweight golf bag with double strap• Less skilled you are –less you practice full swing• Learn to swing in opposite direction• Evaluation…foot foundation, leg length

Lower Back InjuriesCauses-Corrections-Rehab

Do Not Do• Mimicking golf swing with

dumbell in hand• Swing 2-3 clubs at the same

time• Rotating trunk with club held

across the shoulders

Exercises you should do

• Cross Crawl• Piriformis & Hip

rotation stretch• Left & Right lumbar

rotation • Hip flexion and hip

rotation

*Gymnic Ball =best

OVERVIEW

• Pre-participation stretches• Strengthen “golf” muscles

in off season• Take a lesson• Be evaluated by your

Chiropractor & golf pro

&

most importantly:

PLAY MORE GOLF!!!

See you on the course…