Golf-related shoulder injury

Your shoulders are also prone to injury while playing golf. Most frequently, they involve the muscles of the rotator cuff. Tendonitis, which is an inflammation of the tendon, or bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa (basically a fluid sac which prevents friction between tendons and bones) are two injuries that golfers may encounter.

Warning signs can include pain during your golf swing (especially on the back swing). The pain can manifest itself as a sharp twinge or low-grade ache during and after the activity. It is common for progressively increasing stiffness to accompany the pain as a result of inflammation. Tendonitis results from tiny tears incurred by stress during the activity and if the forces are significant or if pre-existing wear is present at the rotator cuff, more serious injury such as a partial or complete tear can occur.

Common causes of tendonitis include improper warm up, limited flexibility at the rotator cuff or surrounding musculature, and poor technique or equipment. Sometimes, a pre-existing injury at the neck or a decrease in neck mobility at this area can be part of the problem.

Usually shoulders injuries occur on the side that guides the movement of the golf swing and they often occur during the initial part of the swing as well as during the follow through. Warm up through stretching and practice shots of progressively increasing force and amplitude increases blood flow to the area—an important factor in allowing an increase in tissue flexibility. The prevention of shoulder injuries involves stretching and strengthening the shoulder muscles, a proper warm up and, if possible, tips from a golf professional to improve your technique.

Technical causes and remedies of shoulder injuries

Usually these injuries occur on the side that guides the movement of the golf swing and they often occur during the initial part of the swing as well as during the follow through. Warm up through stretching and practice shots of progressively increasing force and amplitude increases blood flow to the area–an important factor in allowing an increase in tissue flexibility. The prevention of shoulder injuries involves stretching and strengthening the shoulder muscles, a proper warm up and, if possible, tips from a golf professional to improve your technique.

What follows is a general program which can be used as a warm up or prevention program.