Golf is often seen as a low-impact sport, ideal for relaxation and lifelong participation. But while it’s not a contact sport, it still puts repetitive stress on specific areas of the body. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a weekend warrior, golf injuries are common—and often preventable. Understanding these injuries and knowing how physiotherapy can help is key to staying pain-free and improving your game.
Most Common Golf Injuries
- Lower Back Pain
One of the most frequent complaints among golfers, lower back pain results from the rotational stress of the golf swing and prolonged periods of standing or bending over. Poor swing mechanics, lack of core strength, and limited spinal mobility often contribute to this issue.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Unlike tennis elbow, which affects the outer part of the elbow, golfer’s elbow affects the inner side. It occurs from repeated gripping, swinging, or overuse of the forearm muscles.
- Shoulder Injuries
The repetitive swinging motion can strain the rotator cuff, leading to tendonitis, impingement, or even tears. Shoulder instability or limited range of motion can affect your swing and cause further injury.
- Wrist and Hand Injuries
Golfers frequently suffer from sprains, tendonitis, and overuse injuries in the wrist and hand. These are often caused by gripping the club too tightly or hitting the ground during a swing.
- Knee Pain
Although not as common, knee injuries can occur, particularly in players with pre-existing conditions. The torque from the golf swing can stress the ligaments and cartilage in the knee joint.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Golfers
Physiotherapy offers both preventative and rehabilitative care for golf-related injuries. Here’s how:
✅ Injury Assessment & Diagnosis
A physiotherapist will perform a detailed assessment to identify the cause of pain or dysfunction—often looking at the whole kinetic chain, not just the painful area.
✅ Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques like joint mobilisations, soft tissue massage, and dry needling can reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote healing.
✅ Tailored Exercise Programs
Specific strengthening and stretching exercises can correct muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, and enhance your swing mechanics. Core stability work, in particular, helps protect the spine during the rotational forces of a swing.
✅ Postural & Movement Correction
Your physio can analyse your posture and swing mechanics (sometimes in collaboration with your golf coach) to spot movement patterns that may be contributing to injury.
✅ Injury Prevention Strategies
Education is key. Physiotherapists can guide warm-up routines, ergonomic modifications, and load management—especially for avid golfers who play frequently or are returning after injury.
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should consult a physiotherapist if:
- Pain persists for more than a few days
- Your swing or range of motion is affected
- You experience weakness or instability
- You’re recovering from an injury and want a safe return to play
Conclusion
Golf may look effortless on the outside, but it demands coordination, power, and control. When injuries strike, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in recovery and prevention. By addressing the root causes of pain and improving body mechanics, physiotherapy can keep you swinging strong—without the setbacks.
Remember: a little prevention goes a long way. Don’t wait until pain sidelines you. Book a physiotherapy assessment and stay in the game.