It’s right there on Florida specialty license plates: “Golf Capital of the World.” With great weather and an abundance of courses, it’s no surprise that golf is popular for residents and visitors to the Sunshine State.
But a golf swing requires sudden, strenuous movement throughout the body, and golfers of all ages and skill levels can experience aches and injuries.
Dr. Michael Bodine, an orthopedic surgeon based at the BayCare Medical Group Orthopedic Surgery office in New Port Richey sees many golfers with golf-related injuries. Dr. Bodine recently discussed common golf injuries and how to prevent them on a BayCare HealthChat podcast and during an appearance on Tampa Bay 28's Morning Blend. Here are some of his tips for staying healthy on the course.
Most golf injuries are caused by overuse or poor swing mechanics and commonly affect the lower back, wrist, hand, elbow and shoulder. Shoulder injuries often involve the lead shoulder in the swing.
Pain is the primary symptom of a shoulder injury and may be felt in the upper arm rather than directly in the shoulder. Shoulder injuries also tend to affect the lead side, with research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine finding that 90% involve the lead shoulder in the golf swing.
Dr. Bodine specializes in sports medicine and said shoulder injuries are common among golfers.
“I see a lot of people come in with rotator cuff injuries,” he said. “But the rotator cuff is not the main driver of the golf swing, it’s really your pectorals and lats (latissimus dorsi) that are the most active muscles in a proper golf swing. The rotator cuff is used to stabilize the shoulder and not the driving factor or power behind the swing. Poor swing mechanics can lead to improper use of the rotator cuff and injury.”
Dr. Bodine said golfers experiencing pain or discomfort should slow down and try to identify which phase of the swing is causing pain.
"That helps us as clinicians to hone in on where the problems might lie in the upper extremity," Dr. Bodine said.
He offered several ways golfers can help reduce their risk of injury:
“If you do have injuries, listen to them and do not ignore them, because you can always make things worse,” Dr. Bodine said. “Do your due diligence, take some time off. If the injuries persist, get an appointment and come in and see a clinician.”
When pain does occur, most golf injuries can be treated without surgery. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and, in some cases, steroid injections. Avoiding movements that cause pain is also important during recovery. Surgery is generally considered a last resort.
Additional Resources:
Dive deeper into the topic by listening to Dr. Bodine's complete BayCare HealthChat podcast, "Golf Injuries and Prevention."
Watch Dr. Bodine's full Morning Blend segment on Tampa Bay's 28.
Learn more: BayCare Orthopedic Institute
