Golfing for Seniors: Preventing Golf Injuries

The most common golf injuries affect the back, shoulder and elbow.  In a small study of 240 golfers ranging in age from 30 - 55 years, 46% had experienced at least one orthopedic injury.  In order of incidence, these were the most common injuries:

• lower back injury
• shoulder injury
• dorsal spine (mid back) injury
• neck pain
• wrist and elbow pain

Because back pain was the most prevalent of all injuries, the incidence of back injury was analyzed.  The 47 – 60 year old age group was the most prone to back injuries.

These injuries were caused by failure to warm up and improper swing.  The Mayo Clinic cites that poor swing mechanics and overuse injuries are especially prevalent among new golfers.

To prevent a large percent of golf injuries, the Mayo Clinic provides the following advice about the proper way to swing:

Good posture is essential to a safe golf swing.  The feet should be placed shoulder width apart with weight evenly balanced over each foot.  Do not hunch over the ball to prevent neck and back pain.

1. Swing the club with your whole body.  The force of your swing is generated by all of your muscles, from your feet to your legs, by your core and upper body.  Do not swing with your wrists, or you will risk injury to your wrist and forearm.  Moreover, the resulting swing will be weak.
2. Avoid “overswing.”  A good swing is even, relaxed and consistent, not fast and hard.  Swinging with too much force can result in joint injury.

There is software available on the Internet to evaluate your swing.  An even better choice is golf lessons until you have a safe swing that will also improve your game.

Done correctly, swinging a golf club is a whole-body exercise.  Overall muscle strength and endurance are critical to avoiding injuries on the links.  Exercise before taking up golf, and exercise all year long, not just during the golf season.  

• For muscle strength, do core exercises, such as abdominal crunches.  Weight training and resistance exercises can be used to strengthen the biceps, triceps, back, chest and legs.
• For endurance on the golf course, do aerobic exercises.  This will prevent injuries caused by fatigue.

It is strongly recommended that new golfers take lessons until they achieve good swing mechanics.  For older golfers, it’s worth it to have your swing or your overall body mechanics assessed for areas of weakness.  This can be done by a trainer or physical therapist.  Lessons and assessment of your golf swing should be performed by persons certified in an approved golf-training course or someone who works with the Professional Golf Association.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.