PT for Golfers: The Role of Physical Therapy in Golf Performance

By Harrison Ranscht, PT, DPT, ATC/L

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Physical therapy isn’t just for recovering from injuries — it can also be a powerful tool for improving your golf game. By focusing on strength, flexibility, mobility, and biomechanics, physical therapy can enhance your swing, prevent injuries, and keep you playing at your best. Here’s how physical therapy can elevate your golf performance.

Older woman golfing physical therapy for golfers

Why Golfers Need Physical Therapy

  1. Injury Prevention
  • Common golf injuries include lower back pain, shoulder impingements, elbow tendinitis, and knee issues. Physical therapy can identify and address imbalances or weaknesses before they lead to injuries.
  1. Enhanced Mobility
  • A proper golf swing requires a combination of flexibility and strength. Physical therapists can design mobility exercises to increase your range of motion in critical areas like hips, shoulders, and thoracic spine.
  1. Strength and Stability
  • Core strength and joint stability are essential for generating power and maintaining balance during the swing. Physical therapy programs can focus on strengthening these areas to improve your overall performance.
  1. Customized Biomechanics
  • A physical therapist trained in golf mechanics can analyze your swing and movement patterns, identifying inefficiencies or risks. They can tailor exercises to correct issues and optimize your swing mechanics.

Key Areas of Focus for Golfers in Physical Therapy

  1. Core Strength
  • The core acts as the bridge between your upper and lower body during the swing. Strengthening your core improves power transfer and helps protect your spine.
  • Example Exercise: Plank Variations
  1. Hip Mobility
  • The hips drive the rotation in your swing. A lack of mobility can reduce power and strain the lower back.
  • Example Exercise: Hip 90/90 Stretch
  1. Shoulder Stability
  • Shoulders endure significant strain during the swing. Stability exercises help protect against overuse injuries like rotator cuff issues.
  • Example Exercise: Scapular Retractions
  1. Thoracic Spine Rotation
  • A mobile thoracic spine is key for a smooth and efficient swing. Physical therapy can improve rotational mobility.
  • Example Exercise: Open Book Stretch
  1. Lower Body Strength and Balance
  • Strong and stable legs are crucial for generating power and maintaining balance throughout the swing.
  • Example Exercise: Single-Leg Romanian Deadlifts

When to See a Physical Therapist

  • Recurring Pain: If you experience pain during or after playing, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty achieving a full swing may indicate mobility restrictions that physical therapy can address.
  • Desire for Performance Gains: Even if you’re pain-free, a physical therapist can help optimize your biomechanics and prevent future problems.

Tips for Golfers Incorporating Physical Therapy

  1. Find a Golf-Specific Therapist: Look for a physical therapist with expertise in golf biomechanics. They can tailor your program to your needs.
  2. Commit to a Routine: Consistency is key. Regular sessions and adherence to prescribed exercises will yield the best results.
  3. Combine Therapy with Practice: Physical therapy complements technical practice by ensuring your body is prepared to execute proper mechanics.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Golfers

By integrating physical therapy into your routine, you can:

  • Increase driving distance through improved power and flexibility.
  • Reduce the risk of injuries that can sideline your game.
  • Enhance swing consistency with better mobility and stability.
  • Extend your ability to play golf pain-free for years to come.

Evolution Pysical Therapy for Your Golf Game

Physical therapy can be both a treatment and a preventative. As with any sport, working with a pt can be highly effective in keeping you in the game by minimizing pain, injury, and down-time. If you’re looking for exercises you can do at home, you an start with either some upper quarter mobility exercises, lower body mobility for golfers, or stability exercises for the upper quarter. And as always, reach out if you need to schedule an appointment or have any questions about any of our recommended exercises.

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