Imagine this: you are having a perfect game, every swing is going exactly how you want it to, and you are on the verge of breaking your own record.
An unrealized dream up until the point of no return…
You start to experience pain in your shoulder, which makes it difficult for you to swing properly and prevents you from applying any force to the ball.
Within the blink of an eye, we went from heaven to hell.
An in-depth look at golf reveals that excessive use and improper technique can both lead to serious injuries, despite the fact that golf is generally regarded as a low to moderate risk activity.
The golf swing may appear to be a relatively straightforward motion when viewed for the first time.
However, in order to generate high club-head speeds, typically greater than 100 miles per hour, the swing requires a concerted effort that synchronizes the strength of the muscles, the timing of the movement, and the coordination of the body.
A wide variety of injuries are possible in the game of golf.
Injuries such as tears in the knee or hip, pain in the lower back, neck or middle back, and of course, shoulder pain.
It is estimated that shoulders account for up to 18% of all injuries sustained while playing golf.
What is causing the pain in my shoulder when I play golf?
The first thing that needs to be done is to figure out what exactly is causing the discomfort.
The two scenarios that are most likely to occur are inflammation of the rotator cuff caused by improper swing mechanics, as well as muscle overuse.
A group of muscles known as the rotator cuff surround the shoulder joint in the human body.
But what is it about golfers that makes them so prone to injury?
Although golf is a sport with a low risk of injury, there is still a significant risk of injury from overuse and improper technique.
When compared to professional golfers, amateur players have more than twice the risk of becoming injured in the course of their game.
The act of swinging a golf club can place a significant amount of strain on the surrounding muscles, connective tissue, and tendons of the shoulder in golfers of all skill levels.
The restricted rotation of the pelvis that occurs during the swing contributes in part to the stress that is placed on the shoulders.
Injuries such as rotator cuff tears, which are rips in the muscles that help stabilize the shoulder joint, can be the result of repeated use that causes damage to the components of the shoulder. This damage can occur over time.
What exactly is causing the pain?
The following is a list of common shoulder injuries and the treatment plans that are associated with them:
- Tearing of the rotator cuff is one of the most common golf injuries
- Shoulder instability is yet another shoulder injury that frequently occurs as a result of golf. Shoulder instability occurs when the ball of the shoulder joint shifts either partially or completely out of the socket as a result of excessive stretching or tearing. This can cause the shoulder to be unstable in either direction.
- Golfers who are afflicted with frozen shoulder, a painful condition that causes stiffness in the shoulder joint, can benefit from the following exercise.
Shoulder pain is a very common complaint among golfers of all skill levels, including professionals, semi-professionals, and amateurs.
In most cases, the types of injuries are the result of previous injuries or weakness in the rotator cuff, labrum, biceps, or triceps, or in the shoulder girdle as a whole.
Throughout the entirety of the golf swing, the rotation of the shoulder is controlled by the muscles that make up the rotator cuff.
Over time, performing the same motions over and over again can wear down the shoulder joint and increase the risk of tearing the rotator cuff or the labrum. This is especially true if there is any weakness or deficit in the range of motion (ROM), mobility, or strength of either shoulder, particularly the dominant shoulder.
Shoulder pain, especially after playing golf, is typically an early indicator of rotator cuff injury. This is especially true if the pain occurs immediately after playing.
A general ache could be a sign of muscle weakness, whereas having trouble lifting or experiencing extreme pain could be a sign of a tear in the muscle.
If you keep playing golf despite experiencing any of these symptoms, you run the risk of aggravating your shoulder injury and causing additional damage to the surrounding area.
If your shoulder and shoulder girdle are in good shape, and if you have the strength, range of motion (ROM), and mobility necessary to perform such a complex motion, then golf is not harmful to your rotator cuff.
The most significant cause for concern is the prospect of tearing a muscle in the rotator cuff, as well as the labrum that surrounds the shoulder joint, or developing tendonitis in the shoulder.
Any movement, especially one that causes compensation, has the potential to cause one of the two types of injuries described above if the shoulder is worn out or very tight.
You can prevent and reduce the risk of sustaining any kind of shoulder injury by following a routine that includes stretching and strengthening exercises.
How can I treat my shoulder so that I can resume playing golf without experiencing any pain?
You will need to cut down on the amount of time you spend playing and give your shoulder some rest, regardless of the cause.
In addition to this, you should apply cold compresses to the affected area and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
If the pain continues, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician because it is possible that a series of screening tests will be necessary to determine the source of the pain.
The majority of patients who suffer a shoulder injury as a result of golf will respond favorably to nonsurgical treatment, such as rest and a physical therapy program that includes the following components:
- muscular strengthening and flexibility;
- a pre-game warm-up routine;
- the adjustment of an individual’s golf swing to meet their physical capacities and limitations through golf lessons that are properly supervised.
However, the most important thing you can do to treat your pain is to pay attention to it and take action before it gets any worse.
Continue playing even if you are already experiencing pain in your shoulder; attempting to ignore the pain is the surest way to extend the amount of time you have to wait before returning to the golf course.
How can I avoid experiencing shoulder pain in the future?
The following are the best ways to prevent injuries to the shoulder:
- Work on improving your swing technique by ensuring that you always practice proper form.
- To improve the stability of the shoulder, you should work on strengthening the muscles that are used during the swing.
- Make sure you are using the appropriate equipment: the weight and length of your club are two of the most important considerations to make when selecting the appropriate equipment for you. The same rule applies to the weight of your golf bag; you should try to reduce it as much as you can.
- Before you start playing, make sure to warm up your shoulders by stretching.
- Don’t overdo it: if you start feeling pain, cut back on the amount of time you play and concentrate on improving your technique and building up your muscles.
Do not be afraid to seek the assistance of a professional in the field.
If you spend some money to improve your technique, not only will you see better results, but you’ll also get more enjoyment out of playing golf, which is a great return on your investment.