Golf is one of Brisbane’s most popular sports, with thousands of locals enjoying a round at clubs like Indooroopilly, Oxley, and Brookwater every week. While golf is often seen as low impact, it places repetitive stress on the body especially the spine, shoulders, and elbows. Up to 62% of golfers report an injury at some point in their playing career, with the majority linked to overuse and poor swing mechanics (McHardy & Pollard, 2005).
The good news? Physiotherapy can help prevent and manage golf-related injuries, ensuring you stay strong, mobile, and confident on the course.
Common Golf Injuries
1. Lower Back Pain
The rotational forces of the golf swing put significant stress on the lower back. Poor core stability, reduced hip mobility, or excessive practice loads often contribute (Lindsay & Vandervoort, 2014).
2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Pain on the inside of the elbow is common from repetitive gripping and swinging. Left untreated, it can persist and affect performance.
3. Shoulder Injuries
Rotator cuff irritation and impingement can occur due to repetitive overhead and rotational movements. Restricted shoulder mobility may also limit your swing.
4. Wrist & Hand Strain
Frequent ball striking, especially on hard surfaces, can irritate tendons and joints in the wrist and hand.
5. Knee Pain
Weight transfer and rotational forces during the swing can overload the knees, especially in those with arthritis or previous injuries.
How Physiotherapy Helps Golfers
At Trilogy Physiotherapy in Sinnamon Park, our physios take an evidence-based approach to assessing and treating golf-related injuries:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Identifying biomechanical factors such as limited hip or thoracic mobility, weak core muscles, or faulty swing mechanics (Gosheger et al., 2003).
- Hands-On Treatment: Manual therapy, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue techniques reduce pain and restore mobility.
- Individualised Exercise Programs: Strengthening the core, glutes, and shoulders; improving mobility in the hips and spine; and targeting grip strength.
- Swing & Posture Analysis: Working alongside golf coaches or using video analysis to modify swing technique safely.
- Injury Prevention Plans: Structured warm-ups, load management, and recovery strategies to reduce risk of recurrence.
Local Solutions for Golfers in Brisbane
If you’re searching for a golf physio in Brisbane, Trilogy Physiotherapy has worked with recreational and competitive golfers across Sinnamon Park, Jindalee, Mount Ommaney, and Oxley. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing stiffness, or aiming to optimise your performance, our physios can help.
We provide private treatment rooms, on-site rehab gym facilities, and tailored exercise plans so you can keep enjoying the game you love.
Final Thoughts
Golf is meant to be enjoyed not endured with pain. If you’re struggling with back, shoulder, elbow, or knee pain on the course, physiotherapy can help you recover faster and prevent flare-ups.
Book an appointment with Trilogy Physiotherapy in Sinnamon Park today and take the first step towards pain-free golf. Click here to book now!
References
- Gosheger, G., Liem, D., Ludwig, K., Greshake, O., & Winkelmann, W. (2003). Injuries and overuse syndromes in golf. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 31(3), 438–443.
- Lindsay, D. M., & Vandervoort, A. A. (2014). Golf-related low back pain: A review of causative factors and prevention strategies. Sports Medicine, 40(7), 519–537.
- McHardy, A., & Pollard, H. (2005). Golf and upper limb injuries: A review. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 4(3), 135–142.
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