Treating Golf Injuries With Chiropractic Treatment

Compared to other sports, golf may seem like one that is not as
physically demanding with only a minimal chance of sustaining
injuries. There may not be a lot of running, falling, being tackled or
breath-holding but golf does cause a considerable amount of wear and
tear especially on the joints.According to the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission, medical doctors and alternative medicine
practitioners took care of over 103,000 injuries that resulted
specifically from playing golf at a total cost of $ 2.4 billion in
direct and indirect expenses in 2009.Common golf injuriesThe most
common golf-related injuries are on the wrist, the elbow and the lower
back. These are the areas that are most engaged when taking a golf
swing. The shoulder, knee and neck are other areas that are often
exerted on during golf resulting in injuries. These make up about 80
percent of golf-related injuries that golfers seek treatment for, more
so to the soft tissue.Apart from pain, golfers may also experience
tenderness and/or numbness in the hands and arms, swelling and
inflammation of the elbow which is called golfer's elbow and wrist
injuries which are medically referred to as tendonitis or carpal
tunnel syndrome.Interestingly, it is more seasoned players who
suffered more injuries than beginners and novices and also,
acclimatized players who played often had few if any problems with
their elbow. Perhaps this is because good and frequent players know
the importance of warming up and how to take a proper swing and body
positioning.Treating golf-related injuriesGolfers took varying
approaches to treating their injuries. Most simply kept of the green
with only a few seeking medical attention which held the risk of their
untreated injuries becoming incapacitating when they returned to the
game, took up another game or any strenuous activity.Treating
golf-related injuries through chiropracticChiropractic will get hands
on, so to speak, on golf-related injuries. Chiropractic is a branch of
alternative medicine specializing in health problems arising from the
musculoskeletal system by adjusting the spine and the joints.
Chiropractic works with the premise that an injury or an out of align
spinal bone causes a host of health problems that make the body
predisposed to catching illnesses or sustaining injuries.With
golf-related injuries, a chiropractor will not only treat the sore
joint, limb or muscle but the entire spine to not only treat the
existing ailment but also prevent others by restoring the body's
posture, spinal alignment and muscle strength as the golfer will keep
using and straining certain limbs and joints.Specific injuries are
treated using a number of methods, chiefly massage to relieve knots
and tension over sore spots and the whole body. Some chiropractors
will also use other forms of therapy like applying electric
stimulation to the affected area, an ultrasound and the use of braces
and other inserts to keep a joint or muscle properly aligned.To
achieve optimum results, a chiropractor will also take a patient's
details like their history and habits to give them an idea of their
lifestyle. They will use this information to recommend lifestyle
changes such as exercise and fitness routines, the best diet for the
patient and they might recommend supplements like vitamins or
minerals.Minimizing Golf-Related InjuriesThe following recommendations
are some tips to manage and prevent golf-related injuries:-Easing into
the sport and not over-exerting when starting or after a long period
of rest or not engaging in any physical activities.
-Using the right
equipment such as golf shoes and supportive bands on much-used areas
like the arms, knee and elbow.
-Taking a swing correctly and not
overusing the wrists too much in an attempt to take the ball as far as
possible.
-Not hunching so much as to heighten the likelihood of
straining the neck and shoulders.Warming up and stretching before
teeing off to avoid injuries arising from sudden exertion on limbs and
muscles when they are still tight.While golf is a gentle form of
sport, it can cause a host of injuries much like other physically
demanding sports. Whether playing professionally or for recreation,
ensuring optimum musculoskeletal health is crucial, more so for
players taking up the game at a mature age as they may have existing
conditions and injuries that will be aggravated on the green if they
are not cautious earlier on. The same is true for those returning to
the game after being out of it for a period of two months or more.