Golf and the Importance of Chiropractic Care
Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.
By: Paul Rothbart
Golf is one of those sports that’s been around for ages—literally. By the time Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World, folks had already been swinging clubs for decades. Fast forward to today, and golf’s popularity is still going strong. According to the American Golf Industry Coalition, in 2022, 1 in 7 Americans hit the links—that’s over 47 million people driving, chipping, and putting across the country.
What’s great about golf is that it's for everyone, from kids to seniors. But it’s especially beneficial for middle-aged and older adults looking to stay active. At The Joint Chiropractic, we get it. We’re here to help you keep your game sharp and your health in check so you can enjoy the course for years to come. Here’s how routine chiropractic care can keep your score low and your quality of life high.
What are the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle?
A sedentary lifestyle is the fast track to trouble. As we get older, staying active tends to take a back seat, but if you're nearing (or in) retirement, it’s more crucial than ever to keep moving.
Why? Because staying active helps fend off high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. It keeps your muscles toned, flexible, and your bones strong.
Plus, exercise isn't just a physical game-changer—it’s a mental boost, too. Regular activity helps manage stress, ease anxiety, and even ward off depression. Those feel-good chemicals your brain releases during a workout? They lift your mood and can help protect against cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. So, get moving, and your mind and body will thank you.
How is golf considered a good form of exercise for adults?
To the casual observer, golf might look like a leisurely stroll with little exercise involved. There’s no tackling, no sprinting, and unless you’re celebrating a 50-foot putt for birdie, you’re probably keeping both feet on the ground.
But that’s exactly why golf is such a fantastic sport for older adults. Skip the golf cart, and you’re in for some serious walking while playing 18 holes. It’s a solid dose of aerobic exercise—especially if you're carrying your clubs. On average, U.S. golf courses that opened between 2011 and 2016 stretch about 6,900 yards (from the pro tees), which adds up to around 8,280 steps. And let’s be honest, if you’re wandering around the course looking for lost balls, you’ll likely rack up even more steps.
A golf swing involves multiple parts of the upper and lower body working together. Playing golf regularly tones and strengthens those muscle groups, and improves coordination, balance, and flexibility.
Golf isn’t just a physical game—it’s a serious mental workout, too. It demands sharp concentration and focus, which can do wonders for memory and cognitive function. Plus, it’s a great stress reliever. Studies show golf can ease anxiety and even lower the risk of depression. In fact, a 2020 survey of 250 golfers found that the number one reason people hit the links is for their mental well-being. Turns out, a day on the course does more than just improve your swing—it’s good for the mind, too.
Golf is generally played in groups of two or four. This gives it a social component that is helpful. Connecting with others and being active together can boost self-esteem and self-confidence, as well as promote the production of the brain’s mood-elevating hormones. The health benefits of golf are well-documented.
What are some common golf-related injuries?
Golf may not be football, but you can suffer injuries. One of the most common golf injuries is low back pain. Your core is active during a swing and it can place stress on the spine and muscles of the lower back. Common injuries of this type include herniated discs, lumbar strains and sprains, and joint restrictions.
The wrist action at the end of a swing can cause stress that can injure the elbow. Golfer’s elbow is common for your trailing elbow, while the lead elbow is susceptible to tennis elbow.
Shoulder injuries are another common issue for golfers, with rotator cuff strains, bursitis, and impingement leading the pack. Then there are your knees—often victims of repetitive motion injuries like strains and sprains. Tight hips can cause many golfers to over-rotate their knees, which, in severe cases, can damage the meniscus or even lead to an ACL tear. Overuse doesn’t spare the feet, either. Conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis are familiar foes for many golfers.
How can chiropractic care help a golfer’s health and performance?
Preventing golf injuries should be of primary concern for all players. One of the benefits of chiropractic care is that it can help to reduce your risk of injury.
Chiropractors are trained in the art and science of spinal manipulation. This kind of chiropractic treatment may help you recover from a variety of issues and achieve a better quality of life. Dr. Steven Knauf, VP of chiropractic and compliance for The Joint Chiropractic, says, “Many-body aches and pains, even along the limbs, can be traced to a problem in the spine.”
Subluxations occur when the vertebrae in your spine are misaligned or not moving properly, which can put pressure on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and reduced range of motion. Chiropractors focus on identifying and correcting these misalignments through spinal adjustments, helping to restore proper alignment and improve overall function. By addressing subluxations, a chiropractor may be able to relieve nerve pressure, reduce pain, and enhance mobility, making it easier to move freely—something especially important for golfers looking to improve their swing and stay injury-free.
Regular chiropractic care can be a game-changer for golfers. By keeping your spine and joints aligned, you’re not only preventing injuries but also helping them heal faster. Spinal adjustments reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, so you can get back on the course sooner.
Chiropractic care doesn’t just keep you in the game—it could actually boost your performance. When your spine and joints are aligned, they move more freely through their full range of motion. Add in reduced pain, and you might notice your swing becoming smoother, more powerful, and precise—key factors for shaving strokes off your score.
An aligned spine also means no pressure on the spinal cord, which can otherwise cause tingling or numbness in your arms or legs. Research shows that chiropractic adjustments could improve reflexes and response time, which could even add a little extra speed to your swing. And let’s be real: every bit counts when you’re trying to lower that handicap. It’s no wonder legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus have leaned on chiropractic care to stay at the top of their game.
What are some tips to avoid injury while playing golf?
In addition to seeing a chiropractor, there are other things you should do to prevent injury when playing golf. As with any other sport, it’s important to warm up before hitting your first tee shot. Do some stretching for your legs, back, and arms. A short brisk, walk will get your blood flowing and warm the muscles for activity.
Take a few practice swings before each shot. This prepares the muscle for the stress of your full swing. When picking up your ball, bend your knees to avoid straining your back.
Always play with proper form and technique. It will help prevent getting hurt while giving you the best chance for success. Be careful carrying your clubs. Make sure the load is balanced, and lift them off the ground using your legs. If you have back issues, consider hiring a caddy or mounting your clubs on a wheeled cart.
Stay alert at all times. Listen for shouts of “Fore” and be aware of players ahead of and behind you. Being struck with a ball can hurt and cause an injury.
Golf is a challenging sport that is fun and a good form of exercise. Once you reach middle age, intense contact sports may be a bit too much, and hitting the links is a great substitute.
Remember, regular chiropractic care may help prevent injury and keep you on top of your game. The Joint Chiropractic has clinics all over the country and you don’t need to make an appointment. Stop in and find out what Tiger and the Golden Bear already know. Chiropractic can be one of a golfer’s best friends.
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