Improve your golf swing with physiotherapy
There’s no better way to spend the weekend than strolling across acres of grass and taking a swing at getting a hole in one. But when it comes to golfing, whether you’ve just started or play as a professional, you might be wondering how you can improve. Physiotherapy may be the edge you need to get ahead.
But what is physiotherapy, and how may it actually help your golf swing? Read on to learn what you need to know about its golfing benefits and more.
Curious about physiotherapy and golfing? Reach out to our team at 13th Beach Health Services today.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a form of physical therapy guided by trained physiotherapists and healthcare professionals. It involves an in-depth knowledge of the musculoskeletal system to improve its function and the body’s overall health.
To do this, your physiotherapist will likely utilise tailored stretches, exercise regimes, and massage therapy techniques. Often, physiotherapy is used for those living with chronic pain or who have been injured. However, physiotherapy may also have a wide range of everyday benefits, especially for golfers.
How physiotherapy may help your golf swing
Have you been dealing with stiffness or struggling to follow through on your golf swing? Physiotherapy may help to address your concerns and ensure you’re using the right technique to enhance your game. Here, we’ll outline its key potential benefits.
1. Enhanced mobility
When taking a golf swing, you often rely heavily on your shoulders, neck and back muscles. You pull your arms back and swing forward in a wide arc. This is why having better mobility and range of motion is crucial to your golf game.
Physiotherapy aims to target your muscles in an effort to stretch them out and increase their flexibility. With guided exercise, you may ensure your body is better prepared for activities. By focusing on your mobility, you may increase your swing and follow through.
2. Strengthened muscles
Physiotherapy also aims to target muscle strength. Weakened muscles may affect your balance, and even cause you pain and stiffness. Physiotherapy techniques may help to increase your muscle strength so that you can swing with more confidence and power, which may even increase your swing speed.
3. Injury prevention
By improving your flexibility and strength, physiotherapy may help reduce your risk of injury. Taking a lot of swings may overstrain your muscles, potentially causing pain, stiffness, and more serious concerns.
With greater flexibility and muscle strength, your body is generally better equipped to handle exertion. It may be less likely to become overwhelmed, and may help you avoid and prevent injuries that may affect your health and your golf game.
4. Professional technique
Ensuring your swing is correct is crucial not only for enhancing your game but also for preserving your health. If you are standing or holding your club incorrectly, you could be putting additional pressure on your body. This may increase your chances of injury and reduce the accuracy and power behind your swings.
A golf swing screening may help you to address these issues. A professional physiotherapist aims to assess your body, how you hold your golf club, and your swing technique. This screening allows them to potentially identify the cause of your concerns.
Even if you’re physically fit and healthy, a golf swing screening may improve your overall technique and enhance your game.
Common questions about physiotherapy and your golf swing
If you’ve never been to physiotherapy before, you might not know what to expect. Here we’ve outlined some key questions people have about physiotherapy to help you understand the process.
What happens in an appointment?
Your first physiotherapy appointment will be focused on understanding your needs, concerns, health goals, and health history. Your physiotherapist will then take this information to create a tailored treatment designed to help you reach your health or golf swinging goals.
Though your physiotherapy treatment will be specific to you, it will likely involve manual therapy and a golf swing assessment. Your physiotherapist will also offer advice that you can use outside of sessions, so you may be able to continue making progress at home.
How long will it take to improve my swing?
How long it takes to improve your golf swing will depend on the cause of any issues you have and your personal progress. You may only need one or two sessions to perfect your swing, while you may need more to improve your musculoskeletal health.
Likewise, continuing your exercise regimen at home may also help to improve your technique and physical fitness much faster.
How do I know I need physiotherapy?
If you are experiencing consistent pain, stiffness, or a recent injury, you should seek professional advice and support. However, physical health is not the only reason. If you’ve been enjoying your golf game but feel like you’ve hit a barrier to improvement, a physiotherapist may be able to help you progress.
Is physiotherapy painful?
Physiotherapists always take your current health and physical ability into account when planning your treatment. Though physical therapy will involve pushing your body, it should not be too painful, especially under professional guidance.
You may experience general soreness or aching in your muscles, similar to how you may feel after a workout.
Is physiotherapy covered under Medicare?
Physiotherapy is only covered under Medicare if you have a chronic condition affecting your health. A chronic condition is any condition that has affected you for at least six months or longer.
Are you ready to enhance your game?
When it comes to physiotherapy, it’s important to have a team you can trust. At 13th Beach Health Services in Barwon Heads, we take pride in committing ourselves to your needs. Whether you would like a golf swing assessment or manual therapies to potentially improve your overall health, we are here for you every step of the way.