Golf Injuries Beyond the Back: Wrist, Elbow and Shoulder Pain in Golfers

Shoulder pain in golfers

The shoulder needs to move through a large range during the golf swing. It also needs to provide enough strength and control to repeatedly move the club at speed.

This combination of movement and force can make the shoulder susceptible to pain, particularly when golfers suddenly increase their playing or practice volume.

Shoulder pain may be noticed during the backswing, downswing or follow-through. Some golfers may also experience pain when reaching overhead or lying on the affected side.

Common symptoms include:

• Shoulder pain during the golf swing

• Pain reaching overhead

• Reduced shoulder movement

• Weakness

• Pain after playing

• Difficulty sleeping comfortably on the affected shoulder

Shoulder problems can have many different causes, which is why it is important not to assume that all shoulder pain is simply due to "poor technique".

A physiotherapy assessment can help identify which movements are aggravating your symptoms and determine how the shoulder is responding to load.

 

Book Online Now to Fix Your Body

 

Why do golf injuries happen?

Golf injuries are often caused by a combination of factors rather than one single problem.

One of the biggest factors is load — essentially, how much stress you are asking your body to handle.

For example, you might normally play nine holes once a week but suddenly play three rounds over a weekend. Alternatively, you may begin spending several hours at the driving range in preparation for a competition.

Your golf swing may not have changed, but the amount of work your body is doing has.

Other factors that can contribute include:

• Sudden increases in playing or practice volume

• Previous injuries

• Reduced strength or mobility

• Poor recovery between sessions

• Changes in technique

• Inadequate warm-up

• Equipment changes

• Returning to golf too quickly after time away

This is why injury prevention is not simply about having a "perfect" golf swing.

 

Book Online Now to Fix Your Body

 

How can physiotherapy help golf injuries?

Physiotherapy can help golfers understand why their pain has developed and what they can do to return to golf safely.

Your physiotherapist may assess your strength, movement, flexibility and ability to tolerate different types of load. They can also look at how your symptoms respond to golf-specific movements.

Treatment may include:

• Exercise to improve strength and control

• Gradually increasing the amount of load your body can tolerate

• Advice on modifying your golf activities

• Mobility exercises where appropriate

• Education about managing training and recovery

• A structured return-to-golf program

In some cases, your physiotherapist may also recommend working with a golf professional if changes to your swing or technique may be contributing to your symptoms.

The aim is not necessarily to stop playing golf completely. In many cases, the better approach is to modify your activity while progressively rebuilding your capacity.

 

Preventing golf injuries

You do not need to avoid golf to reduce your risk of injury. Instead, focus on preparing your body for the demands of the game.

A consistent strength and conditioning program can help improve your ability to tolerate the repetitive demands of golf. Warming up before playing, gradually increasing your playing volume and allowing enough recovery between sessions can also help.

Most importantly, listen to early warning signs.

Pain that repeatedly appears during or after golf should not simply be ignored. Addressing symptoms early may help prevent a minor problem from becoming a more persistent injury.

 

Book Online Now to Fix Your Body

 

When should you see a physiotherapist?

If wrist, elbow or shoulder pain is affecting your golf swing, limiting your ability to play or continuing after you finish playing, it is worth getting assessed.

A physiotherapist can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and develop a treatment and exercise plan based around your goals.

Whether you are a weekend golfer, a regular club player or preparing for competition, the goal is the same: keep your body strong, manage your workload and enjoy golf without being held back by pain.

If golf-related wrist, elbow or shoulder pain is stopping you from playing at your best, a physiotherapy assessment can be a useful first step towards getting back on the course.

 

Book online today to feel great & move well again!

Super Simple with Instant Confirmation & No Login Required!

For consultation fees and more information, please visit our Fees and FAQs page or call us on 03 9498 0205.

Some types of consultations may require pre-payment or a deposit. 100% Money Back Guarantee (T&Cs apply).