Golf Evaluation

Golf Diagnosis

Interview
Detailed information is obtained describing:
•  Golfing Activities
•  Home Activities
•  Occupational Activities
•  Past History of Musculo-Skeletal problems
•  General health History
•  Golf goals that you wish to achieve

Musculo Skeletal Assessment
1- Range of Motion and Muscle Balance Assessment of:
•  Spine
•  Hips
•  Knees
•  Ankles & Feet
•  Shoulder
•  Elbows
•  Wrists/Hands

2- Biomechanical Analysis of your posture

3- Biomechanical Analysis of your Golf Stance

Golf Improvement Plan

Analysis includes:
1- Postural Alignment

2- Description on how your golf swing relates to:
•  Joint Restriction
•  Muscle Balance
•  Soft Tissue Flexibility

3- Recommendations on:
•  Any X-Rays and specialist referrals
•  Coaching with your Golf Professional

Golf Physiotherapy Manual Therapy is the base of our treatment approach. We use our hands for massage, gentle joint manipulation and muscle stretches and strengthening.

Exercise includes golf orientated Pilates and Swiss Ball programmes individualised for your muscle balance issues.

Case Sudies

Mary
Mary a 40-year-old right-handed golfer took part in our Golf Improvement Programme.

Mary's difficulties with her golf were that she often mis-hit the ball and had poor distance off the tee.

She was complaining of some left elbow pain and also tightness and aching of her left upper shoulder muscles after playing and practicing.

Her Musculo-Skeketal screening revealed poor stability of both her shoulder and pelvic girdle. These factors were resulting in hip slide and poor timing of the ball which was resulting in over gripping of the club and overuse of her upper shoulder muscles.

Mary was given a programme of stretches for her upper shoulder muscles (trapezius and levator scapulae) and strengthening exercises for her shoulder girdle and lower abdominals, using a golf specific Posture Bar.

Over a six-month period Mary's trunk stability had improved allowing her more consistency off the tee and her driving distance had improved so much that her handicap had reduced by 4 shots. She no longer had pain in her elbow or upper shoulder when playing.

John
John, a right-handed 55 year old male golfer, was assessed under our Golf Improvement Programme.

John's main difficulties with his golf were a persistent slice and limited driving distance off the tee. He also was complaining of right lower back pain during and after his round of golf.

Assessment of his musculo- skeletal screening revealed limited trunk rotation due to tightness of the muscles at the front of his chest (pectorals) weakness of the muscles between his shoulder blades and lower stomach muscles and stiffness of his thoracic spine.

This muscle imbalance was resulting in a poor turn in the swing with poor trunk stability and balance. This was causing him to lift his arms high in the back-swing with his right leg straightening resulting in hip slide which was producing his common slicing of the ball and resulting in his back pain.

John was given an exercise programme to stretch the front muscles of his chest and strengthen the muscles between his shoulders and lower stomach muscles (abdominals) using golf specific exercises.

Mobilisation of his thoracic spine over three treatment sessions was also given to help improve his rotation in the back swing.

John's improvement with his exercise programme over a six-month period resulted in him lowering his handicap by 5 shots and his driving distance off the tee increased by 80 metres.

Call an ActivePhysio clinic near you to improve your golf today!