If you have been following my articles, you see by this title that I'm taking a break from the posture analysis theme. [Part 9 of Dr. Tucker's ongoing series on posture evaluation / correction appeared in the Aug. 26 issue.]
I enjoy writing about so many different topics within our profession, and also think I have "writers ADD" right now when it comes to posture. I definitely have "exercise ADD," because I'm constantly changing my exercise routines and programs. I have not abandoned the posture theme altogether, as you'll see later on in this article.
The goal when it comes to treating golfers is to give them the ability to play golf "full out." To do that, we have to understand what stops them from playing it that way in the first place. When an injured golfer comes in, the goal of treatment is to have them return to golf (competition) physically and mentally robust in as short a period as possible. Walking 18 holes and spending time on the driving range is not enough to keep golfing muscles in top shape and minimize the risk of injury. It takes relatively strong, flexible golfing muscles to play it well, make improvements and avoid common injuries.

Golf Mechanics and Injuries

The most common injury sites for golfers are the low back, shoulder, knee, elbow and wrist. Golfers who have low back pain demonstrate a decrease in range of motion for hip internal rotation on the lead leg (left leg for a right-handed golfer) and lumbar extension and decreased activation and/or timing of the abdominal obliques, erector spinae and knee extensors.