THAT NAGGING SHOULDER IS HURTING… MY GOLF GAME!
Shoulder pain can be a big limitation this time of year as the golfers hack their way around the course. Well, some of us anyway! But there are a few things to think about when teeing it up if you currently have… or have had…some shoulder issues. It starts with proper posture as you address the ball. Once that is set, your takeaway, swing, and follow through all have key components that may affect your aching shoulder. Lets break it down…. Posture Correct posture in the set-up position begins with good spine angle. Imagine bending through your hips while keeping your back relatively straight. Another good cue is to think of yourself arching your back slightly, such that your chest pushes out to a point a few feet beyond the ball. There should also be a slight incline of your spine and head away from the target. Knees should be slightly bent to allow for a small amount of bounce through impact. Does Diagram 1 look like your set up? It should! Takeaway The first idea is to make your swing plane more flat than steep, and keep your elbow tucked. In Diagram 2 my left and right shoulders are in a bad position that could aggravate (or lead to) rotator cuff issues. In Diagram 3 I’ve come around my body more, my elbow is tucked, and I’ve stopped my backswing at about ¾. Beauty! Swing away (don’t hit the big ball before the small ball…) from here and get ready for that complete turn at the finish! Follow Through The finish position also depends on the flat swing plane. Steeper and the club finishes high and the front shoulder is in trouble (Diagram 4) ! Especially if the elbow is flying high. Keep that elbow tucked and make a full finish facing your target (Diagram 5) . If your body doesn’t rotate completely your shoulder will take a beating as it the club continues to pull it around and high.
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SOS Physiotherapy has several therapists that are knowledgeable about the golf swing and understand the biomechanics of your body and how it relates to your swing. Mention you saw this article and CALL NOW for your free golf swing and functional assessment to see how Physiotherapy could help your game!
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