As a certified Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) level 3 medical provider, I get the honor of treating a lot of golfers. As golfers will tell you, the game is like a heroin addiction…but it’s actually more expensive! A golfer will do just about whatever it takes to improve his/her game. From shoes to gloves to clubs to lessons to whatever, nothing is too much if it will shed a few strokes off each round. Whether the golfer is a 20 handicap or scratch or better golfer, improvements can always be made. As is the case with any sports activity, proper stability and mobility are important and for a precision game like golf, they’re vital.
One major movement fault that many people and golfers alike have is a lack of internal hip rotation. Proper hip mobility is not only vital for back health, but it is vital for proper swing mechanics. I’d say, in my experience, that about 80% of golfers suffer from this issue. It can be on the either side and depending which side it is on, the fault affects the backswing or the follow-through. Regardless of which one it is, it must be corrected to improve that score and lower the risk of musculoskeletal injuries…mostly, the force transmission into the low back. This is one of the major reasons why so many golfers get low back pain. Continue Reading →