Improve Your Golf Game with Chiropractic Care
June 23, 2016Golfers will often talk about how mentally grueling the sport can be, but that certainly isn’t the only challenge to the game. With repetitive movements and a certain amount of flexibility required to swing the club just right, golfers also understand how physically taxing the game can be on their bodies. It should come as no surprise, then, that many golfers utilize chiropractic care to both reduce the risk of injury and ease and to improve their performance. In fact, chiropractic care has been part of the official PGA Sports Medicine Team for decades, with most professional golfers working with chiropractors to improve their swing and their game. While you might not be a pro, if you’re looking to improve your golf game, regular chiropractic care can get you there.
Improve Your Golf Game with Chiropractic Care
The Problem with Golf
Golf requires certain motions that can be very hard on the body. Spinal mobility is especially important since you need unrestricted joint motion in the spine and pelvis for a proper swing. This twisting motion is repeated dozens of times during a round of golf, which, for many, often results in lower back pain. This motion can lead to injuries that affect the neck, shoulders, elbows, and hips as well. To prevent these areas from becoming injured, increased flexibility and proper spinal alignment can be a good place to start.
Conditioning the Body
The neuro-musculoskeletal system must be properly conditioned to avoid common injuries and to get the score you want. Finding a warm-up routine to wake the muscles and consistent stretching—even on your days off — helps overall flexibility and strengthens the body to add power to your drive.
Preventing Injuries
If you’re hurt and in pain, your golf score will show it. That’s why one of the best things you can do to help improve your score is to ensure your body is at its healthiest. In addition to a proper warmup and stretching routine, the use of chiropractic care can help your body be ready for a round. In particular, we put your body back into alignment and improve blood flow to vital muscles to help prepare the body for strenuous activity.
If you’re unsure of how much this kind of preparation can help your game, look at a study that was published in the 2009 issue of the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. This study measured the performance of two groups of golfers: one group received only a stretch program while the second group received the same stretch program and chiropractic care. Those that only stretched before performing certain golf maneuvers did not improve after four weeks of participation. Those that received chiropractic care, in addition to stretching, improved their swing performance and were able to hit the ball farther in just four weeks.
The game of golf is physically demanding and can easily result in injury if the body is not properly conditioned for swings, drives, chips, and putts. While you can help your own golf game by practicing basic mechanics and increasing flexibility, integrating chiropractic care can ensure the body is properly aligned and ready for activity. Whether you’re a pro or beginner, chiropractic care might be what you need to take your golf game to the next level. To see for yourself, call Van Ness Chiropractic at 847-842-8070 to schedule an appointment today.
