Welcome to the 'Back in action ' Sports Physiotherapy Whistler page on fit for golf!! Our Physiotherapists have training specifically for golfing injuries and have completed specific training with PGA Physiotherapists in golf screening and analysis and fitforegolf.

Back in Action Physiotherapy is located near to 4 championship golf courses.  Whistler Arnold Palmer course, Trent-Jones Chateau Whistler course, Big ski golf and Niclaus North golf course.

Golf performance Screening

By assessing a "total picture" of your body and swing, we will recommend a program that will seamlessly integrate into your existing PGA or LPGA professional's instruction to help you optimize your performance.

The golf swing places the body under considerable amounts of strain that can lead to an injury. Additionally the frequently adopted golf posture leads to muscle imbalances which in turn can cause injury. Muscle imbalances can also be responsible for poor execution of skills which can cause you to slice or hook the ball.

Musculo-skeletal screening identifies muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, strength deficits and muscle recruitment insufficiencies, as well as other factors hindering your performance. This enables us to provide specific exercises and treatments to correct these problems.

Golf Injuries

Golf requires good flexibilty and trunk/core control. Imbalance in these factors can be both cause and effect of poor golf technique. Golfers are suceptable to injuries and dysfunction particularly in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, back and neck.

Frequently, golfers experience pain on the inside of the elbow which may be due to excessively tight grip and/or poor back swing and follow through.  Stretches of the hand-finger flexors may help this.  Pain on the outside of the elbow is often associated with incorrect wrist action.  Both conditions may also have nerve irritation.

Nerve irritation may manifest as pain, pins and needles, or numbness, reduced reflexes and muscle weakness. Poor blood supply to the neural tissue is probably one of the major contributors to nerve irritation. Muscle stretches, good technique, good posture, adequate 'warm-up' and 'cool-down' may improve blood flow. Poor neural function may result in reduced reflexes which in turn predisposes a person to injury during unexpected movements. Additionally, muscle weakness and poor endurance may contribute to fatigue which can cause further muscle shortening. Regardless of the mechanism, neural irritation will lead to poor performance at golf.

Exercises should include

• Strengthening: deep abdominal muscles, shoulder muscles and buttock/thigh muscles
• stretching for the neck, back, shoulders and arms
• rotation mobility and stability (pref using a bar/ski pole/golf club)in the entire swing

Stretching Guide for Golf

 A good stretching routine is a vital part of being a sucessful golfer. Stretching before and after play helps minimize muscle imbalances, prevent injury, improve your exercise tolerance and your performance.  The stretching program below is designed for golfers who do not have any current injuries or individual stretching needs.  If you have an injury, or a specific mechanical imbalance that may be holding back your golf performance, our Physiotherapists at Whistler Back in Action physiotherapy can design a stretching program just for you.  Your physiotherapist at Back in Action can also teach you to train your abdominal muscles to provide the right balance of stability, flexibility, and power for your golf swing. This will help you to golf better and keep your lower back healthy.

The best time to stretch

When your muscles are warm and relaxed!  Stretch after your warm-up to improve your game and prevent injuries and stretch after your round or practice session to assist your recovery.  Don't forget to arrive at the golf club well in advance of your scheduled round to allow yourself adequate time to warm up and stretch.  The stretching program below will take about 15 minutes to complete.  This time also doubles as mental preparation for your game.

Warm up

 * Warm up the muscles first. A warm up of general exercise such as walking followed by range of motion exercises for the whole body. For example arm swings, leg circles, small lunges and light practice swings. This will get the blood circulating to all parts of the body .

Pre-Game Stretching

* Slowly take your muscles to the end of their range.  You will feel light resistance in the muscle, but you should never feel pain during a stretch.

* Hold the stretch in a static position.  Do not bounce. This will help slow down the nerve impulses and return your muscles to a resting state.

* Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds.  Repeat each stretch 3-4 times  

Post-Game Stretching

* Stretch while your muscles are still warm.

* Slowly take your muscles to the end of their range.  You will feel light resistance in the muscle, but you should never feel pain during a stretch.

* Hold the stretch in a static position.  Do not bounce. This will help slow down the nerve impulses and return your muscles to a resting state.