WISCONSIN — While golf might seem like it’s not the most dangerous sport, there’s still a lot to watch for when out on the putting green.
Physical therapist Dan Leib, with Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, joined Spectrum News 1 to talk about what golfers can do to stay healthy throughout the season.
Long-time golfers can attest that the repetitive twisting and force of the golf swing can place significant stress on the body. Golfer’s elbow, lower back pain, rotator cuff injuries, and wrist strains spike during summer.
“A lot of it stems from lack of strength and mobility combined with the repetitive nature,” Leib said.
Before hitting the golf course, stretching techniques and warm-ups can help prepare the body for golfing motions.
“We really want to take about five to 10 minutes to get a nice dynamic warm-up,” Leib noted.
Coupled with a high heat index, the physical therapist emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and stretching to improve flexibility — key aspects of a successful run on the course.
If golfers do experience some muscle pain after a round of golf, he said it is normal. However, there are some warning signs to not ignore before pain becomes chronic.
“If you notice that pain lingers for a couple of days or it’s worsening over time, if you notice some numbness/tingling… if you find yourself moving differently because of that pain, it’s time to get looked at by a professional,” Leib said.
A golfer’s health is just as important as getting a hole in one. Pre-round warm-up routines and minimizing the risk and severity of injuries is “like an investment that pays overtime,” Leib said. “You’ll be out on the course for the season and seasons to come.”
Watch the full interview above.