pic

Golf Injuries

Common Golf Misconceptions
Myth:
Golf is a game that requires skill rather than agility.
Truth:
Amateur golfers achieve nearly 90% of their peak muscle activity while driving golf balls. This intensity is akin to weightlifting, in that upon completing four repetitions, fatigue sets-in. Imagine repeating this 40-50 times per round.Myth:

A poor swing is to blame for pain during a golf game.Truth:

Research studies in sports medicine indicates that approximately 30% of professionals on-tour play injured each week. Try telling a pro that he needs to work on his swing!
Myth:
A strength-focused conditioning routine increases driving distance.
Truth:
Flexibility is vastly more important to the long game than strength. The speed of a club-head determines distance. The larger the arc, the greater the club-head speed when it makes contact with the ball. Optimizing your posture and flexibility is the key to hitting longer and more powerful golf shots—the tenet of chiropractic care for over 100 years.
Flexibility is the Key
Relationship between Flexibility and Club Head Speed
The Problem
Generally, the average golfer takes-up golf when he or she no longer cares to participates in physically demanding sports. Unfortunately, this lack of involvement in competitive play contributes to an overall decrease in flexibility —especially where the spine, shoulders, hips and pelvis (key components of a good golf swing) are concerned. Desk jobs and long daily commutes compound the situation.*Flexibility is the key to improving your game and reducing your pain.*

In addition to improving your golf swing, optimal flexibility also diminishes the possibility of injury while playing. In fact, the root cause of golf injuries is a lack of joint mobility and muscle pliability.The golf swing depends on nearly every joint in the human body: from the tips of the toes to the fingertips. When healthy and flexible, these joints work together like a well-oiled machine. However, when there is an injury to any of them, the healthy joints pick up the slack, resulting in strain and muscle fatigue.

This can cause serious repetitive motion injury to both the dysfunctional joints and the over-burdened (but otherwise healthy) joints, as well.
The Solution
In order for the joint chain to function at its highest level, peak muscle and bone support is required. In fact, fourteen muscles are crucial to a golf swing, each working in concert to transform a sequence of bones and joints into one perfect spring. The purpose of the spring is to “coil” potential energy. That energy is then converted into kinetic energy when the spring tension is released and the club swings around the body at a high speed.Therefore, treating golf-related injury or improving the golf swing requires a combined approach that addresses both the joint mechanics AND muscle flexibility. This is where chiropractic adjustments and Active Release Technique (ART) comes in.

Dr. Jonathan Donath can identify the areas in need of attention, and provide the individualized treatment that best addresses your specific needs.

The term “Chiropractic adjustment” describes one of the countless ways of implementing carefully applied and controlled pressure to restore joints to normal position and functionality. It also alleviates strain on the surrounding overworked muscles that succumb to injury while compensating for joint dysfunction.Active Release Technique (ART)

ART is a collaborative therapeutic process in which both doctor and patient assume an active role. All ART sessions encompass a unique sequence of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Donath begins each ART session with a practical evaluation of the injury site. Next, the teamwork comes into play: Precise tension is applied while the patient executes specific movements. Upon completing just one ART treatment, many of our clients report a decreased level of pain and increased strength and flexibility.