Golf is a popular sport for all ages, but these days, the Baby Boomer generation is the one flooding the golf course. Many of these Boomers are newly retired or have one foot out the door. Many of them are enjoy golfing two to four times a week—and it’s easy to see why, especially in Arizona: idyllic weather, countless courses and plenty of peers to play with.
However, there’s a theme that Spooner physical therapists see among this group in particular: these golfers—far more used to a desk chair than golfing several times of week—wind up with sore shoulders, back pain, tight hips and hurt knees. They may not immediately attribute this pain to golf, either. Eventually, they navigate their way through their healthcare providers and end up here at Spooner, where we team them up with a specifically-trained golf physical therapist. This therapist knows enough about the game to ask the right questions and narrow in on the real source of pain.
How physical therapy can help avid golfers
Of course, Spooner therapists treat golfers of all ages and experience levels. Some golfers see us to improve their physical strength and stamina to help them play their best game. But most golfers we treat are those who seek us after they experience some sort of discomfort.
Like all therapy treatment at Spooner, we treat golfers with a completely personalized plan. Much of this can focus on the fundamentals of movement, and opening up your thoracic (lower) spine, releasing tightness from your hips, and generally improving your mobility. Golfers may see us for just a few appointments and learn exercises that they can take home. Or, they may see us for many months.
Physical therapy can fold into your golf education
If you’re working closely with a golf professional, that’s even better. Many of the golfers we treat are constantly trying to improve their swing. Every tweak, every turn of the wrist and even a slight change in posture can have a tremendous impact on the outcome. Spooner golf therapists are trained to work with you as your swing evolves. We do this by crafting a series of exercises to help you build up your strength so that you can handle the changes in your swing, but also build up your stability so that you can manage your growth curve, too, which is critical if your swing is more at the novice level.
We’re certified through Titleist Performance Institute.
At Spooner, some of the therapists are trained through the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), which provides special training to licensed therapists who are also experienced golfer. This gives our golf patients a superior level of care, since our therapists are trained to evaluate you through the lens of a golfer and address the specific needs of golfers. The TPI certification has standardized the evaluation of golfers, including strength, joint mobility, balance and control. The evaluation follows the sequence of a swing, regardless of your experience level.
Are you a newly retired golfer who plans to hit the course every week? Or, are you a regular golfer who is getting tired of that sore back or that knee pain that you just can’t shake? Contact us to schedule a complimentary movement assessment and to learn more about how we can help you move better, feel better and improve your game.