Warning Signs

• Low Back & Hip Pain
• Knee Pain
• Elbow or Forearm Pain
• Wrist Pain
• Shoulder Pain

Most Common Pain

Most common back pain is a facet syndrome, where the facet joints are injured and swollen along with some disc swelling. This causes the back to become sore. In addition, muscles usually tighten to provide a splint to minimize movement. Lower back pain can result from a variety of conditions. Depending upon your individual situation, your Healthcare Professional may address the acute phase with:

• REST: Our bodies have natural restorative powers. We want to honor this healing process by resting. This prevents certain movements from aggravating the swollen tissues.
• ICE: Ice will minimize the swelling.
• DECOMPRESSION: Taking the pressure off the swollen tissue will allow it to heal faster.
• MILD MOVEMENT: Mild movement will allow circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids to feed and cleanse the swollen areas. We don’t do movements that aggravate the pain.

About Injuries and Golf

Treatment of golf injuries should first center on the alleviation of your pain. The ultimate goal is to restore function to the injured area and eventually improve performance.

It would not be wise to just take NSAIDS painkillers like Aspirin and keep on going. Even if professional athletes appear on television promoting pain medications this doesn’t mean it’s prudent for you to become a user. It’s far better to design an exercise program that will restore the stability and flexibility of your working joints. The goal is to create a balance in the musculoskeletal system that will enhance your ability to play golf. A full explanation of golf injuries and how to correct and stabilize them is located in chapter 3 of the Body Friendly Golf book.