With temperatures hitting 15 degrees across the GTA this February, a lot of golfers are hoping for an early spring and an early start to the golf season. Whether you’ve been hitting the indoor golf simulators this winter, had the luxury of heading down south to play some rounds, or have been sitting indoors watching the pros play, now is a great time to start thinking about the upcoming season. Are you currently sidelined with an injury that may impact your game? Are you hoping to get stronger and break some goals this summer? The best way to improve your game and avoid those pesky injuries that keep you off the course, is to spend the next couple months training to get stronger.
Note: Sheddon’s physiotherapists from the Oakville and Burlington Physio Clinics are prepared and determined to help you get the best out of your golf training.
Injury Prevalence
While golf may not be the highest impact sport out there, it can still take a toll on your body. It has been estimated that every year roughly 40% of recreational golfers sustain an injury. The repetitive swinging motion, combined with pushing or carrying a 30 lb golf bag, and long periods of standing or walking, can lead to a variety of injuries from back pain to golfer’s elbow. The most common reasons for injury in amateur golfers are poor swing biomechanics, excessive practice/play, improper club fitting, and poor mechanics. The good news is that many of these risk factors are preventable and manageable.
Poor Swing Biomechanics
Working with a golf pro can be extremely beneficial for golfers of all skill levels. A golf pro has the expertise to help you improve your swing and develop a consistent technique that fits your body type. A golf pro can also help you identify and correct any bad habits or flaws in your game that may be hindering your progress and potentially setting you up for injury.
Excessive Practice/Play
While practice makes perfect, there is such a thing as too much practice. Golfers who overdo it with practice can develop a range of overuse injuries, such as tennis elbow or rotator cuff problems. To avoid these issues, golfers should be mindful of their practice routine and focus on quality of their practice over quantity.
Improper Club Fitting
Getting fitted for golf clubs is an essential step for any golfer who wants to improve their game. Golf clubs that are not properly fitted can wreck havoc on your game, leading to inconsistent shots and reduced accuracy, as well as causing injuries. A professional club fitting can ensure that you have the right clubs to match your swing and body.
Poor Mechanics:
Golf Specific Movement Assessment
This is where Physiotherapists from Sheddon’s Oakville and Burlington clinics come into the picture. If you have limited mobility or strength, you will have to compensate during your golf swing, which can negatively impact your swing, as well as lead to injury. If poor mechanics is one of the most common risk factors for injury, wouldn’t it be great if you could do a quick assessment to evaluate and identify areas of strengths and weaknesses related to your golf game? Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf has done just that. The TPI Golf Assessment is a complete physical evaluation designed specifically for golfers. It was developed by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), an organization dedicated to studying the biomechanics of the golf swing and improving the health and fitness of golfers at all levels. Sheddon is excited to announce that we offer TPI golf assessments at our clinic with our physiotherapist Erin Shapcott, who has completed several courses in golf rehabilitation and injury prevention, including TPI level 1 and currently completing TPI level 2.
What to expect during the assessment:
The assessment consists of a series of 12 tests and screens that evaluate your mobility, stability and strength as they relate to your golf swing. The goal is to identify any physical limitations or imbalances that could be negatively impacting your swing or putting you at risk for injury. Based on the results of the assessment, we will provide you with a personalized exercise program in order to improve your physical abilities, reduce your risk of injury, and hopefully improve your golf game.
The TPI Golf Assessment is an excellent tool for any golfer who is looking to take their game to the next level. If you are interested in finding out more contact Erin at erin@sheddonphysio.com.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. What should I bring to the assessment?
A1. Comfortable clothing, running shoes, and a 6 iron.
Q2. How long does the assessment take?
A2. Assessments are 1 hour.
Q3. Can I get a copy of my results?
A3. You will get a detailed report with all your results, and how they relate to the golf swing.
For more info, contact Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic at 905-849-4576.
We are located only 6 min East of Oakville Place and 7 min from Oakville Go Station.
The Burlington physio clinic is located only 5 min west of Spencer Smith Park and 6 min north-west of Burlington Beach, on Plains Rd East.
