Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, with the help of Dr. James Blair and AU Health, recently released advice on how golfers can avoid injury and stay at peak performance.
Most injuries suffered while playing golf are the result of poor posture and motions that can severely strain muscles, according to Blair, one of AU Health’s leading orthopedic trauma and surgeon experts. While some kinds injuries can be common, he thinks proper technique can help avoid golfers avoid them.
“Golfers use their entire body when swinging and, over time, this repetitive movement can put significant amounts of stress on the lower back, wrists and shoulders,” said Blair. “To avoid golf injuries at any age, the golfer should always use a correct swing technique, ensure their equipment is properly fitted and include stretching exercises before a game.”
Blair recommends four ways to keep a golfer’s body in shape and ready to win.
First, he suggests golfers should warming up at least ten minutes before a game to ensure the body is ready for motion. The warm-up should include walking briskly, stretching and swinging the golf club at different ranges.
Second, he says golfers should adjust their swings to create equal muscle balance. For every swing in one direction, golfers should swing just as hard in the opposite direction. He said golf coaches could also help golfers learn specific swings that work for them.
Third, Blair says golfers should wear the right shoes. He says shoes with longer cleats are a good idea to reduce strain on the knees and ankles.
Finally, golfers should seek medical attention for injuries that occur while playing. Blair also warns against hitting the course too soon after an injury. Golfers should wait until they are completely healed to go back for another round.
While golf isn’t a contact sport, it still requires athletes to remain in the best shape possible, as even the slightest set back can jeopardize a player’s ability.
River Gracey is a correspondent for The Augusta Press. Reach him at producers@theaugustapress.com
