Explaining Shoulder Pain in Golf
Golf, often perceived as a leisurely sport, comes with its own set of physical challenges, particularly concerning shoulder health. Recent studies and insights have shed light on the prevalence of rotator cuff injuries among golfers, emphasizing the importance of understanding, preventing, and managing these injuries to maintain peak performance on the course.
Understanding Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Injuries in Golf:
Rotator cuff injuries, particularly tears, are a common affliction among golfers. These injuries often stem from the repetitive nature of the golf swing, which places significant stress on the shoulder's surrounding muscles, tendons, and connective tissues. Factors such as overuse, improper form, mobility limitations, and aging contribute to the susceptibility of golfers to shoulder pain and injury. Amateur golfers in particular may fall prey to these injuries due to inadequate conditioning, improper warm-up routines, and lack of attention to proper swing mechanics. Meanwhile, professional golfers, despite their superior skill level, are not immune to shoulder pain, given the sheer volume and intensity of swings they perform daily.
When the golfer is in the top of the backswing, where a great deal of mobility and motor control is needed throughout the body, the shoulders are asked to do opposite things on each side. The lead shoulder must go into internal rotation and adduction. If I were to test most amateur golfers for true access to this range of motion, I will find that most desk workers and even active adults are missing these ranges dramatically.
On the back side shoulder, we need external rotation and flexion. These movements, especially external rotation, are commonly missing in golfers. Here is a video of us looking for internal rotation and adduction of the lead shoulder and external rotation and flexion in the backside shoulder in golfers.
-What we need from the shoulder in the golf swing-
How do limitations in these motions result in pain and injury? When we put our body into and out of these positions, we are creating force and speed in a vulnerable state. The recurrence of the violent golf swing can then result in damage to the tissues of the shoulder and chronic pain. Further, limitations in shoulder mobility will lead to compensations to achieve certain golf positions, like the backswing, creating stress at the site of mobility loss AND other surrounding joints.
Prevention Strategies:
Preventing rotator cuff and other shoulder injuries in golf requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, golfers should prioritize using properly fitted equipment, including clubs of appropriate length and weight, to reduce strain on the shoulders. Conditioning exercises targeting the shoulder, back, and chest muscles are essential for maintaining strength and flexibility.
Most importantly we need to create proper range of motion and motor control for the golf swing. By having access to full range of motion, we take pressure off of joints that become the areas of compensation like the shoulders, low back, hip, and knees.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Treatment:
Recognizing that shoulder pain is present while playing or after playing a round of golf is critical. The sooner we can begin addressing biomechanics and injured tissue, the quicker we can put a stop to the damaging movement and start taking strides in improving our range of motion in the areas that need it. This can dramatically improve our outcomes.
Gradual or sudden pain in the shoulder or upper arm, particularly during or after play, should not be ignored. Difficulty in raising the arm overhead or discomfort while sleeping are red flags that warrant medical attention. If we are feeling the effects of playing a round of golf the next day, then action needs to be taken.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain:
Treatment for shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries varies depending on the severity of the injury, the individual's activity level, and commitment to care. Conservative measures such as chiropractic and rehab therapy are fantastic at evaluating and treating shoulder pain from golf. At IRPC, we use chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and specific rehab and exercise programming to address biomechanics, mobility, motor control, and pain. TPI movement screening and swing analysis helps give us the initial direction we need to take, while more specific assessments narrow us in on the specifics of what we need to address specific to your body. In some cases, surgical intervention, such as arthroscopic surgery, may be necessary.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, maintaining shoulder health is paramount for golfers looking to excel on the course and avoid debilitating injuries. By understanding the biomechanics of the golf swing, implementing proper techniques, and prioritizing conditioning and injury prevention strategies, golfers can mitigate the risk of rotator cuff injuries and enjoy the game for years to come. Remember, a proactive approach to shoulder health ensures that your time on the course remains enjoyable and injury-free.
-Dr. Nick DC, TPI, CSCS
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If you would like a full biomechanics evaluation to correlate to your swing, send Dr. Nick an email at contact@integratedrpc.com or call at (585)478-4379. Dr. Nick Curtis is the leader in golf rehab and performance care at the great golf clubs in Nashville.
