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health & fitness

Swing Into Golf

by Paula Allia, PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS

here are many sports that people The mobile segments of the spine that are functioning properly are
participate in that torque the body. stable. When and if a segment’s quality of motion changes, a segment
T
T orque is a force that causes rotation can become hypomobile. This can be due to a tight joint capsule around
or torsion and in golf this occurs with every the joint(s) of that spinal segment (facet joints). If a joint does become
swing. Golf incorporates a combination of restricted, movement in another vertebral segment may actually loosen
movements from your toes all the way up and become hypermobile to make up for the restrictions in the tight
the chain to your head. The combination of joint. Both can become problematic and can lead to disc and arthritic
trunk and pelvis rotation with the hips distally changes with continued overuse of the hypermobile segment or
and the shoulders proximally make all of the underuse of the hypomobile joint.
difference in fluid movement. Do you have Smooth segmental recruitment from vertebra to vertebra allows the
the right range of motion in your joints to coordinate the proper spine to rotate without excessive torque on one level. The interesting
movement pattern resulting in a good swing? Do you have the proper dynamic is that if someone has a hypomobile segment where the disc
amount of flexibility in the muscles and other connective tissue to and the vertebra are restricted, the next mobile segment takes on more
work with the joint’s range of motion? So many variables. It is no torque.
wonder most people’s golf swing is not consistent. A hypermobile segment is a segment that has more laxity in the
Learning to rotate the spine in combination with your hips is a joint capsule and/or ligaments. When someone pops their own back,
major component to having success in a golf swing. In addition, the the segment that moves is likely the hypermobile joint, not the one
shoulders need flexibility to come across the trunk. Proper length of that is actually restricted. Since the back is weight bearing and loaded
the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles along with good biomechanics most of the time just with body weight and gravity, this can cause wear
of the joints involved in the shoulder complex can allow flawless and tear and arthritic conditions as well and wear down and thin the
motion. Having both the flexibility in the muscles and the mobility discs. If someone has arthritis evident in an x-ray, where the ligaments
in the joints is key to the proper mechanics of a golf swing. In or muscles pull on the joint bone spurring can result in adding more
addition, the coordinated efforts of proper muscle recruitment timing issues. Exercise to warm up the joints and muscles to prepare for
and coordination complete the task. activities.
Many middle aged adults and older have movement impairments It is now evident that in order to be able to participate in golf
that actually inhibit that perfect golf swing. How does one swing and not cause further breakdown, having the necessary flexibility and
as properly as possible? This is something that most people try to mechanics is most beneficial. A properly executed backswing will help
attain every time they step foot on the course or practice facilities. allow the club to do the work improving the club speed. Do not try and
Learning how to compensate for imbalances will help the golf game muscle the swing as this leads to more strain. If you are limited, do not
tremendously. just start taking anti-inflammatories and painkillers because the body
Many golfers experience low back or hip pain. Chronic low back will worsen. After golf, unload the spine and stretch. Try and avoid
pain and dysfunction are common in those who play a lot of golf and sitting too long after golf, as sitting does compress the spine and cause
have disc, facet joint, and or arthritic problems. If muscles are tight increased disc pressure.
and not recruited properly, excessive compressive loads can cause Work on an exercise program that will help maintain or gain
further breakdown and over time become debilitating. Also, a stiff mobility, stretch tight muscles to allow for normal flexibility, and
spine in the thoracic area working with the arms will cause altered strengthen the muscles in a coordinated manner to allow for good
mechanics. People pull muscles all the time in golf. neuromuscular recruitment adding to a more consistent swing.
Happy New Year to all !
Here’s To Your Health! Commit to get fit in 2025 !

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