Can Chiropractic Help Your Golf Game?
By Sara Butler
If you like to hit the links with some regularity, then you know the frustration and challenges that can come with playing golf. Golf is certainly a great form of physical exercise, but just as any other exercise, it can take its toll on your body. Here’s how regular chiropractic checks can help you improve your game as well as your life!
Change Your Game
Golf demands that you contort your body into a strange, twisted posture. This generates a lot of torque, and when you combine that with all that bending over to pick up your ball, you have a recipe for lower back pain and problems in the future.
When you combine chiropractic care with your golf swing, you’re taking a proactive approach to help prepare your body and continue playing the game, pain-free, for years to come. In order to make real changes to your game that benefit your body, you should:
- Buy the right equipment – You need equipment that fits. Don’t buy the wrong clubs just because they were on sale. You need clubs that are made for your height so you can use the best posture possible when you’re out on the green.
- Stretch – It will benefit your health and your game to go through a stretching routine before you head for the tee box. It’s important to improve and maintain flexibility for a consistent swing and better performance.
- For older golfers – If you’re older and notice arthritis in your hands that is impacting your grip, then change your grip for better performance.
- Get the right shoes – Golfing calls for a lot of walking and you need the proper shoes to help increase your coordination, absorb shock, and support your foot’s arch. Consider orthotics if you’re having trouble with your feet. And don’t worry about metal spikes -- soft shoes work just fine.
- Get a bag you can pull – Many bags come with wheels that are easier on your back to transport than picking them up and carrying them from place to place.
- Warm up – Stretch before and after the game to help reduce soreness and stiffness.
- Hydrate – Don’t forget to hydrate between holes! Dehydration will cause fatigue, which will impact your posture and may lead to injury. There's a reason for that restroom between the No. 9 and 10 holes.
See the Chiropractor
The chiropractors at The Joint are trained to treat all kinds of issues -- including sports-related pain and injury. They can help golfers by decreasing the stress and strain placed on the body during golf, as well as treat underlying health issues that can lead to problems with your game and health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Los Angeles, Calif.