UW Golf Rehabilitation Program
The Golf Rehabilitation Program is a comprehensive program to
rehabilitate and enhance the performance of golfers at all levels. The
program is based on a biomechanical evaluation of the muscle skeletal
system and the golf swing. The UW Sports Medicine Clinic sees a variety
of injuries involving the spine and upper/lower extremities which may
be related to golfing. The golf swing is evaluated with a driving net.
Participants may receive suggestions for exercises, warm up, and swing
techniques.
It is located in the UW Sports Medicine Clinic, at the Bank of
America (Hec Edmunson) Pavilion (3850 Montlake Boulevard NE, just north
of Husky Stadium) in Seattle.
Making an appointment
Call (206) 543-1552 for information or an appointment. Appointment hours are 7 am to 4:30 pm.
Golf facts
Over 65% of golfers experience back pain. The movement of the spine
can be broken down into four types of movements: forward flexion,
extension, side bends, and rotation. The golf swing requires a
combination of each of these four movements.
This complex, unnatural movement occurs in as little as 1.5 seconds,
which can generate a tremendous amount of stress. The average round of
golf involves several repetitive swings of up to 180 strokes, which
includes practice swings and ball strikes.
The muscles and joints of the body work as a system of levers and
pulleys when completing the golf swing. The body moves within the
physical limitations of weak or stiff muscles in order to complete the
swing. For example, if a golfer has limited hip rotation, then the
stress of the golf swing will be transferred to the spine instead of
being distributed over multiple joints and muscles. A balanced exercise
program can correct these muscle imbalances to restore normal motion.
Exercise and golf
Studies have shown that exercise programs focusing on strength and
flexibility increase golf club speed, which results in longer drives (Journal of National Strength & Conditioning Assocation, 1996).
Our services
Our evaluation includes assessment of:
- Joint range of motion
- Muscle strength
- Muscle flexibility
- Swing evaluation
Treatment programs include:
- Exercises
- Joint movilization
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Swing mechanics
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