Many pro golfers swear by chiropractic care. Lori West, a professional golfer, says that the only reason that she is playing today is because of chiropractic. Close to twenty years ago, she went to a chiropractor for shoulder and neck pain. Lori West says that chiropractic care has improved her golf game immeasurably. Dr. Travis Ruda, chiropractor and golf lover, says that the golf swing is not very conducive to keeping your back healthy. When you have a solid and correct swing, you create spinal tension because this helps the ball go a greater distance. Spinal tension comes from stopping your hips while your shoulders are still moving. You are basically making a coil and then uncoiling when you begin your downswing. Due to the awkwardness of the body movement on your back, many golfers have lower back pain and problems.
Here is some advice that chiropractors recommend for playing golf.
· Do some easy and basic stretching before you play golf. Stretch out the groin muscles and hamstrings.
· Lean left and right with a club across your shoulders.
· Get into the swing position and bend right and left.
· To stretch your shoulder muscles, grab a club behind your back and raise it up.
· Take 10 practice swings backwards. If you are right handed then swing left handed and vice versa. This stretches different muscles and will help you warm and loosen up.
· If your neck feels tight, then do some neck stretches. If your neck is stiff, it can hinder the rest of the body from moving smoothly.
· If your arm bone is sore and tender you may have golfer’s elbow. A chiropractor can adjust this painful condition of an over-rotated bone.
· Using orthopedic stabilizers inside your shoes can help improve your balance, which will make your swing better.
· Flexibility training of any kind can help your game. As you age, your swing can shorten because the muscles become less supple. This is why flexibility is of utmost importance for older golfers.
· Good balance is necessary if you want to hit consistent golf shots. Keeping your spine healthy is a very important facet of good balance and posture. If you work on improving your balance, you will increase your consistency.
· During colder months, you need to be sure you stretch the arm, shoulders, and back muscles.
Chiropractors care not just for your back; they take care of the entire structure of your body. If your muscles are feeling out of whack, then chiropractic can be the adjustment that your game and your body is searching for!
