Services » Physiotherapy In Depth

Within all sports, physiotherapy can significantly help an athlete's development. Specifically, golfers can be helped by making the body's movements more efficient, thus improving performance and reducing the likelihood of recurring injury.

The first step in doing this is to carry out a full musculoskeletal analysis so that the sports physiotherapist can gain a thorough understanding of that individual's musculoskeletal patterns and how they are affecting their golf performance. For best results, this is done in conjunction with the golfer undergoing a full 3D biomechanical assessment.

Musculoskeletal movement patterns are specific to the sports played and, therefore, an understanding of and analysis specific to the individual sport are required to effect changes which lead to the most efficient movements, minimise stresses on the body and ultimately avoid and lessen injuries. An integrated approach is necessary - TGC considers all of the following:

• An in-depth technical analysis of the golf swing and the biomechanics involved
• Knowledge of the body's musculoskeletal demands and movement patterns
• Methods of training and conditioning that will enable changes to take place, increasing fitness and enhancing the body's tolerance to golf activity.

At TGC we aim to do all of this with an integrated and sound professional approach. The technical analysis is covered with a state-of-the-art 3D Golf BioDynamics system used by (and, in the UK, currently only licensed to) Total Golf Analysis' golf professionals Stewart Corstorphine and Mark Bull. Once this technical analysis is complete, most golfers are then advised to see our sports physiotherapist for a golf-specific musculoskeletal assessment. This is a very successful process, followed similarly by professionals in all sports.

The screening identifies strengths and weaknesses within the musculoskeletal system and the movement patterns carried out by the individual. For the golfer this will address their physical limitations in relation to swing deviations and differences within the setup, posture, take-away, transition, impact and follow-through. This is equally applicable for professional golfers and amateurs young and old.

Once the screening has been carried out, areas can be identified and addressed which leads to the development of a tailored programme including:

• Technical drills and exercises designed by TGA to complement and add to specific exercises from the sports physio, with the overall aim of a more efficient golf swing and less strain and stress on the body
• Assessment of strength and conditioning and development and implementation of a programme specifically for that individual
• Assessment and treatment of any current injuries, with the musculoskeletal assessment identifying any altered movement patterns already in place.

This is where the specialist golf sports physiotherapist's knowledge is critical, as the musculoskeletal analysis will always identify reasons why individuals move in certain ways and how those can be changed with the integrated approach that TGC offers. This is a proven and professionally organised programme leading to physical and technical changes that definitively enhance golf play and reduce injury rates with all levels of golfer.

What is absolutely fundamental to success with an individual golfer is the in-depth multi-disciplinary approach involving golf professionals, sports physiotherapists, strength and conditioning experts and allied health practitioner to drive the changes in golf swing, overall playing success and decreased injury.