Golf Tips to Prevent Injuries

Christine Smith MD from Group Health, a TriHealth Physician Partner, recently answered a Local 12 viewer question as part of their Ask the Expert segment.

Follow These Tips from Dr. Smith on how to avoid injury while playing golf:

At the Golf Outing:

• Warm up with dynamic stretches for hips, hamstrings, shoulders, and back
• Take practice swings prior to playing
• Drink plenty of water / sports drink to stay hydrated
• Engage the abdominals during the swing to protect the back
• Rotate the hips to create a fluid swing
• Cool down with static stretching

At Home or On Your Own:

• Strengthen abdominal muscles, particularly the transverse abdominis
• Stretch the hip internal / external rotators, hamstrings, spine, and shoulders
• Use a stability ball to help align the thoracic spine and retrain muscles for better posture
• Work with a golf pro to acquire / maintain a fluid swing
• Engage in regular aerobic activity for conditioning
• See your physician if you have low back pain to obtain an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan