Golf Season Is Back: Common Golf Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Summer is finally here, and for many Canadians, that means one thing: golf season is in full swing.

Whether you're a seasoned golfer playing multiple rounds each week or someone dusting off the clubs after a long winter, golf is a fantastic way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with friends and family. However, despite its reputation as a low-impact sport, golf places significant demands on the body.

A single round of golf can involve walking several kilometers, repetitive swinging motions, bending, twisting, carrying clubs, and maintaining posture for extended periods. Over time, these repetitive movements can contribute to muscle strain, joint irritation, and overuse injuries that affect performance both on and off the course.

At Naosu Wellness in Coquitlam, we frequently see golfers experiencing pain and discomfort throughout the summer months. The good news is that many golf-related injuries are preventable with proper preparation, movement training, and early intervention when symptoms arise.

In this guide, we'll explore the most common golf injuries, why they occur, and how services such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, registered massage therapy, kinesiology, and Pilates may help support your golf performance and overall well-being.

Why Golf Causes Injuries

Many people assume golf is a gentle sport, but the golf swing is actually one of the most complex athletic movements in sports.

A proper swing requires:

• Rotational mobility

• Core strength

• Balance

• Coordination

• Flexibility

• Joint stability

During a swing, tremendous force is generated through the feet, hips, spine, shoulders, elbows, and wrists. When one area lacks mobility or strength, another part of the body often compensates.

Over time, these compensations may contribute to:

• Muscle tightness

• Joint irritation

• Reduced mobility

• Overuse injuries

• Poor movement mechanics

The risk becomes even greater when golfers return to the course after a long winter without gradually preparing their bodies for increased activity.

Lower Back Pain: The Most Common Golf Injury

Lower back pain is one of the most frequently reported complaints among golfers.

Every golf swing requires a combination of rotation, extension, and force generation through the spine. Repeating this motion hundreds of times throughout a season can place significant stress on the lower back.

Contributing factors may include:

• Limited hip mobility

• Weak core muscles

• Poor swing mechanics

• Prolonged sitting during work hours

• Previous back injuries

Symptoms may include:

• Stiffness after playing

• Pain during rotation

• Discomfort when bending

• Muscle tightness

• Reduced mobility

Because the lower back often compensates for limitations elsewhere in the body, addressing the underlying movement patterns is often an important part of recovery and prevention.

Golfer's Elbow

Despite its name, golfer's elbow can affect anyone, but it is especially common among golfers.

Golfer's elbow involves irritation of the tendons on the inside portion of the elbow due to repetitive gripping and swinging.

Common causes include:

• Excessive practice

• Poor grip mechanics

• Overuse

• Sudden increases in playing frequency

Symptoms may include:

• Tenderness along the inner elbow

• Forearm tightness

• Pain during gripping

• Reduced strength

Ignoring early symptoms may lead to prolonged irritation and difficulty returning to regular activity.

Shoulder Pain and Mobility Restrictions

The shoulders play a critical role in generating and controlling the golf swing.

A lack of shoulder mobility or stability may contribute to:

• Reduced swing efficiency

• Compensation patterns

• Increased strain on surrounding muscles and joints

Common shoulder complaints include:

• Rotator cuff irritation

• Muscle tightness

• Reduced range of motion

• Discomfort during follow-through

Shoulder mobility becomes increasingly important as golfers age and flexibility naturally declines.

Neck Pain and Tension

Many golfers experience neck discomfort after a round of golf.

Several factors may contribute:

• Poor posture

• Limited upper back mobility

• Muscle tension

• Repetitive rotational movements

Individuals who spend long hours working at a desk often begin the season with pre-existing postural stress that can affect golf performance.

Neck discomfort may also contribute to:

• Headaches

• Shoulder tension

• Reduced rotation

• Difficulty maintaining proper swing mechanics

Knee Pain During Golf Season

The knees absorb substantial force throughout the golf swing and during long walks on uneven terrain.

Golfers may experience knee discomfort due to:

• Previous injuries

• Reduced hip mobility

• Poor lower body mechanics

• Degenerative joint changes

• Muscle imbalances

Symptoms often become more noticeable when:

• Walking hills

• Playing multiple rounds

• Squatting to line up putts

• Rotating during swings

Addressing movement limitations early may help support long-term participation in the sport.

The Importance of Mobility for Golfers

Many golfers focus primarily on technique while overlooking mobility.

Restricted movement in the hips, thoracic spine, shoulders, or ankles can affect swing mechanics and increase stress on other parts of the body.

Key mobility areas for golfers include:

Hip Mobility

The hips generate power and rotation during the golf swing.

Limited hip mobility may force the lower back to compensate, potentially increasing strain on the spine.

Thoracic Spine Mobility

The mid-back plays a major role in rotation.

Poor thoracic mobility can reduce swing efficiency and contribute to neck or lower back discomfort.

Shoulder Mobility

Adequate shoulder mobility supports proper backswing and follow-through mechanics.

Ankle Mobility

The ankles provide stability and balance throughout the swing.

Improving mobility may help golfers move more efficiently and reduce unnecessary stress on joints and muscles.

How Physiotherapy May Help Golfers

Physiotherapy focuses on assessing movement patterns, mobility limitations, strength deficits, and functional performance.

A physiotherapist may evaluate:

• Joint mobility

• Muscle flexibility

• Balance

• Coordination

• Movement mechanics

Treatment approaches may include:

• Manual therapy

• Exercise prescription

• Mobility training

• Strengthening programs

• Movement education

The goal is often to improve movement quality and support long-term physical function.

How Chiropractic Care May Support Golfers

Chiropractic care may be beneficial for individuals experiencing mobility restrictions involving the spine and joints.

Golfers commonly seek chiropractic care for concerns involving:

• Lower back stiffness

• Neck discomfort

• Mid-back restrictions

• Joint mobility limitations

Improving mobility throughout the kinetic chain may help support more efficient movement during golf activities.

The Role of Registered Massage Therapy

Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) can be a valuable part of a golfer's recovery routine.

Many golfers experience:

• Muscle tightness

• Tension accumulation

• Reduced flexibility

• Post-round soreness

Massage therapy may help support:

• Relaxation

• Circulation

• Mobility

• Recovery from physical activity

Regular maintenance treatments can help golfers stay comfortable throughout a busy season.

Acupuncture for Active Individuals

Acupuncture has been used for centuries as part of traditional Chinese medicine.

Many active individuals incorporate acupuncture into their wellness routines to support:

• Physical recovery

• Mobility

• Stress management

• Overall well-being

At Naosu Wellness, acupuncture treatments are personalized based on each individual's concerns and goals.

Why Kinesiology Matters for Golfers

Kinesiology focuses on movement, exercise, and active rehabilitation.

Golfers often benefit from structured exercise programs designed to improve:

• Strength

• Balance

• Coordination

• Stability

• Movement efficiency

A kinesiologist may identify movement patterns that contribute to compensation and provide exercises aimed at improving overall function.

Pilates for Golf Performance

Pilates has become increasingly popular among golfers for good reason.

The sport requires:

• Core strength

• Rotational control

• Balance

• Stability

• Postural awareness

Pilates emphasizes all of these components.

Potential benefits may include:

• Improved body awareness

• Better posture

• Enhanced core stability

• Improved flexibility

• Greater movement control

Many golfers use Pilates as part of their off-course training routine to support overall movement quality.

Tips to Prevent Golf Injuries This Summer

⛳ Warm Up Before Every Round

Many golfers head straight from the parking lot to the first tee without preparing their bodies for activity. A proper warm-up helps increase circulation, improve mobility, and prepare muscles and joints for the demands of the golf swing. Spending just 5–10 minutes warming up before your round can make a significant difference.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Summer rounds often mean spending several hours outdoors in the sun. Dehydration can contribute to fatigue, muscle cramping, reduced concentration, and decreased performance on the course. Make hydration a priority before, during, and after your round.

💪 Build Strength Throughout the Year

Golf requires strength, stability, and coordination. Incorporating strength training into your routine can help improve resilience, support efficient movement patterns, and reduce the risk of injury throughout the season.

🚩 Don't Ignore Early Warning Signs

Persistent stiffness, soreness, or discomfort should not be considered a normal part of playing golf. Addressing minor issues early may help prevent them from developing into more significant problems that impact your game and daily activities.

😴 Prioritize Recovery

Performance isn't just about practice—it's also about recovery. Quality sleep, proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery-focused care can help your body recover from the physical demands of golf and support long-term performance and wellness.

🧘 Improve Mobility and Flexibility

Limited mobility in the hips, shoulders, and thoracic spine can place additional stress on other parts of the body during the golf swing. Regular stretching, mobility exercises, Pilates, and movement-focused training can help maintain efficient movement patterns and support injury prevention.

🚶 Stay Active Between Rounds

Remaining active between golf rounds can help maintain mobility, circulation, and overall physical conditioning. Walking, strength training, stretching, and other forms of exercise can help keep your body prepared for the next round.

👨‍⚕️ Seek Professional Support When Needed

If discomfort is affecting your swing, mobility, or enjoyment of the game, professional assessment and treatment may help identify contributing factors and support your return to activity. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and a more enjoyable golf season.

Why Choose Naosu Wellness?

At Naosu Wellness, we understand that staying active is important.

Our multidisciplinary team provides a range of services designed to support movement, recovery, and overall well-being.

Services available include:

✔ Physiotherapy

✔ Chiropractic Care

✔ Registered Massage Therapy

✔ Acupuncture

✔ Kinesiology & Active Rehab

✔ Pilates

By bringing multiple services together under one roof, we can help support individuals with a wide range of movement and wellness goals.

Keep Your Golf Season on Track

Golf should be enjoyable, not limited by discomfort or injury.

Whether you're experiencing lower back stiffness, shoulder tightness, elbow discomfort, knee pain, or simply want to improve your movement and performance on the course, early attention to mobility, strength, and recovery can make a significant difference.

By prioritizing proper preparation, movement quality, and recovery, you can enjoy a healthier and more active golf season.

Book an Appointment at Naosu Wellness

📍 1020 Austin Ave #201, Coquitlam, BC V3K 3P1

📞 (236) 553-2299

🌐 www.naosuwellness.com

🏌️ Stay active, move better, and enjoy your best golf season yet with the support of the team at Naosu Wellness.