Almost all golfers know that golf is a mental sport, but it is also a physical sport as well. Like many other sports, it can be very good for your health in several ways, however, injury and strain are just as possible. Here you can find tips on how to prevent common golf-related injuries.
Warming up and stretching
Warming up before a round of golf is important to help you play your best and prevent injuries too. You can warm up in several ways:
- Try going for a brisk walk for ten minutes
- Hit some balls on the range
- Try out some jumping jacks
You should always stretch your whole body before teeing off as well, to prevent cramps and strain. Start by stretching your hands and wrists, before moving up the length of your arms and stretching your spine and pelvic area. Before you begin on the course, it is also a good idea to swing your clubs a few times to get your body used to the action. You should gradually increase your swing speed and range of motion. If you are someone who struggles with flexibility, this move should be repeated two or three times before teeing off.
Even when you’re not on the course, stretching is something that you should regularly do to keep your body in good condition for when you want to tee off. You should focus on areas that will get the most use, including your wrists and shoulders.
Adjusting your swing
Your whole body is used when you carry out a golf swing with your blade putter, as it is a swift movement that requires coordination in the movement. When you repeat a movement often, like a golf swing, major stress is placed on the same muscles, joints and tendons. This can cause various injuries, especially if you have faults in your swing. There are some things you can do to help prevent injury by adjusting your swing, including:
- Good posture – having good posture when carrying out your golf swing can help avoid neck and back strain. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and slightly outwards and your back should be straight.
- Don’t overswing – If you take your swing too hard or too quick, you can add additional stress to your joints. You need to relax and take an easy swing, as having consistent swinging speed is also likely to help improve your golf game.
If you do find yourself struggling with back or neck pain relating to your golf swing, you must get a lot of rest when needed to help your muscles repair. It is becoming more common for golfers to use CBD oil because CBD’s naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties could reduce the effects of injuries and could help to relieve pain.
Gradually build up to your goals
Everyone needs to start somewhere. Your skillset isn’t going to go from amateur to pro overnight. You need to work up to desired goals gradually, and if you repeat the same motion, like your golf swing, you could put a strain on your body. It is also good to engage in other physical activities to help improve your overall fitness. Doing exercises that focus on the glutes are beneficial for improving your golf game, as it can help to enhance the stabilisation and power of the lower body.
Appropriate clothing and gear
When playing golf, you need to be dressed appropriately for the weather and the course.
It’s best to invest in proper golf shoes with short cleats so that it reduces strain on your ankles and knees. You should also always carry and apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a hat with a visor while playing, especially during the summer.
Suppose you use steel clubs – it may be worth changing to light graphite clubs instead. This can help reduce strain in your body during the game. They’re also easier to carry, which can help reduce the likelihood of back pain. When carrying your golf clubs, it is important to be careful, as the bags are heavy and improper lifting can cause injury. You should keep your back straight and use your legs to lift the bag. If you suffer from back or shoulder pain, it is worth asking someone else to carry your bag or use a golf cart to prevent further injury.
Taking care of your body is a top priority, so you should do what you can to prevent injury, but accidents and injuries sometimes happen. If that does happen, you need to take your time to rest and give your body time to properly heal before going back on the course.
Written by Darren Clarke CBD
