Stretching is recommended for people who plan to engage in any sport, be it golf or running. Stretching, however, has to be done the right way in order to prevent injuries and also to ensure maximum performance during the game. Most people have no idea how to stretch safely and what parts of the body to concentrate on when stretching before a certain sport. That is where physical therapists come in to help individuals better understand their bodies and stretch the right way. With time, people can stretch on their own when they fully understand how to stretch without compromising their health and performance.
Why Golfers Should Stretch
Golf, just like any other sport, places an extra strain on different body parts. Therefore, stretching before playing golf becomes important for two major reasons. One is to increase performance, and the second one is to reduce the risk of injury. Stretching prepares the body for the game by loosening up the muscles and increasing flexibility. So, stretching the different body parts is necessary for golfers who not only want to excel but also want to lower their chances of sustaining injuries.
All golfers, whether professional or amateur, should incorporate stretching in their golfing routine.
When Golfers Should Stretch
Stretching should be done right before a game. Some body warm up is recommended before stretching. Warming up ensures that the body is ready for stretching and the game by increasing the energy in all body parts, and it also minimizes the probability of injuries, especially during stretching, as warming up relaxes the muscles.
How to Stretch When Getting Ready for Golf
Golf is an extremely taxing game and involves most muscles from the knees up to the chest. This means that golfers should aim to stretch all the muscles before engaging in the game. The main areas of focus should be;
- The knees
- The upper thighs
- The lower back
- Upper back
- Hamstring
- The hips
- The chest
- The hands
Some body parts require more time than others, depending on the level of use when playing golf. There are different routines that are specifically designed to stretch all these body parts, focusing on the different muscles on each of the above mentioned body parts. The routines are not complicated, and one can take an average of 30 minutes to stretch all the necessary body parts.
Specialized Stretches
Specialized stretches might be recommended for different people, especially those recovering from injuries. These stretches are aimed at improving the flexibility of the injured body part to ensure that a golfer is able to get back to the game quickly, without exposing the injured part to more injuries that can rise when any part of the body is left without being exercised for long. Specialized stretching should be done with the help of a physical therapist. This ensures that the stretching is done properly and the injured body part heals in a shorter time.
Stretching is one of the surest ways of preventing common golf injuries, like golfer’s elbow, and any golfer should always ensure that they do so before they start playing.
New Beginning Physical Therapy, Inc. provides the highest level of rehabilitative care available. Our therapists are all highly trained and licensed physical therapy professionals. Our Passion is to make a dramatic, positive impact in our clients’ lives. We love what we do! Nothing could be more rewarding for us than facilitating your path to wellness. We are in Palm Desert, California, and serve the entire Coachella Valley.