INTERVAL GOLF REHAB

Though golf is considered a moderate risk activity, a closer look at golf reveals that overuse and poor technique can result in serious injury. While the golf swing may appear to be a relatively simple move, it requires a synchronized effort of muscle strength, timing and coordination to generate high club-head speeds.

Golf injuries originate either from overuse or from a traumatic origin and primarily affect the elbow, wrist, shoulder and the lumbar area. With shoulder injuries, the lead shoulder, or the left shoulder in the right-handed golfer, is particularly vulnerable to injury. Common shoulder problems affecting golfers include rotator cuff tears, long head of the biceps tendon injuries, subacromial impingement, acromioclavicular arthrosis and glenohumeral instability.

Most patients sustaining a golf related shoulder injury will respond to nonsurgical treatment, such as rest and a physical therapy program including muscular strengthening and flexibility; a pre-game warm-up routine; and the adjustment of an individual’s golf swing to meet their physical capacities and limitations through properly supervised golf lessons.

At the Cleveland Shoulder Institute, we highly encourage the adoption of our “Five Week Interval Golf Program.” This is a structured progressive rehabilitation program aimed at accelerating the return to play golf for our patients who suffered a shoulder injury or after undergoing a shoulder related surgery.  This program is comprised of a set of several swings using different clubs performed three days a week, for four weeks. By the fifth week, our patients can enjoy a game of nine holes.

EXERCISE PROGRAM

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Proper warm-ups, stretching, and strengthening should be implemented throughout the entire interval golf rehabilitation program. As you start your program, remember, mechanics play an important role in your recovery. Generally, it is a good idea to ice the area after exercising. Please review the interval golf program. If you have any future questions, please contact your physician or therapist.