Golf Injury Rehabilitation
Comprehensive rehabilitation protocols for common golf injuries and return to play
Lower Back Injury Rehabilitation
Acute Phase (Days 1-7)
- Rest and Protection: Avoid golf swings and rotation
- Ice Application: 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours
- Gentle Movement: Walking and basic daily activities
- Anti-inflammatory: As recommended by healthcare provider
Subacute Phase (Days 7-21)
- Core Stabilization: Dead bug, bird dog, plank progressions
- Flexibility Work: Hip flexor, hamstring, and thoracic spine
- Gentle Rotation: Seated and supine spinal mobility
- Postural Training: Address swing setup positions
Return to Golf Phase (Weeks 3-8)
- Progressive Loading: Gradual return to swing mechanics
- Rotational Strength: Medicine ball and cable exercises
- Movement Screening: Identify compensatory patterns
- Swing Modifications: Temporary adjustments to reduce stress
Shoulder Injury Rehabilitation
Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation
- Phase 1: Pain management and passive range of motion
- Phase 2: Active assisted range of motion exercises
- Phase 3: Strengthening with resistance bands
- Phase 4: Functional movement and golf-specific exercises
Key Exercise Progressions
- Pendulum Swings: Early mobility and pain relief
- External Rotation: Resistance band strengthening
- Scapular Stabilization: Rows and retraction exercises
- Overhead Progression: Gradual return to full range
Elbow Injury Rehabilitation
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- Activity Modification: Reduce grip pressure and swing frequency
- Eccentric Strengthening: Controlled lengthening exercises
- Forearm Stretching: Flexor and extensor muscle groups
- Grip Strength Training: Progressive resistance exercises
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Extensor Strengthening: Wrist extension with resistance
- Eccentric Loading: Tyler Twist and similar exercises
- Neural Mobilization: Nerve gliding exercises
- Equipment Assessment: Grip size and club modifications
Wrist and Hand Rehabilitation
Wrist Injury Management
- Immobilization: Temporary splinting for acute injuries
- Range of Motion: Gentle flexion, extension, and deviation
- Strengthening: Progressive resistance in all planes
- Proprioception: Balance and position sense training
Grip and Handle Issues
- Trigger Finger: Stretching and tendon gliding exercises
- Grip Pressure Training: Optimal force application
- Hand Coordination: Fine motor skill development
- Equipment Modifications: Grip size and texture adjustments
Hip and Knee Rehabilitation
Hip Mobility and Strength
- Hip Flexor Stretching: Address sitting posture effects
- Glute Activation: Bridge and clamshell progressions
- Rotation Training: Internal and external rotation strength
- Functional Movement: Golf-specific hip patterns
Knee Injury Prevention
- Quadriceps Strengthening: Support for knee stability
- Hamstring Flexibility: Posterior chain mobility
- Balance Training: Single-leg stability exercises
- Plyometric Progression: Return to dynamic movement
Return to Play Protocols
Progressive Golf Return
- Phase 1: Putting and short chipping (20 yards)
- Phase 2: Half wedge swings and pitching
- Phase 3: Full wedge and short iron swings
- Phase 4: Mid and long iron progression
- Phase 5: Driver and full competitive return
Monitoring Guidelines
- Pain Levels: Should not exceed 3/10 during activity
- Range of Motion: 80% of pre-injury levels minimum
- Strength Testing: 90% of uninvolved side strength
- Functional Testing: Golf-specific movement screens
Professional Treatment Team
Healthcare Providers
- Sports Medicine Physician: Diagnosis and medical management
- Physical Therapist: Movement assessment and rehabilitation
- Athletic Trainer: Return to play and injury prevention
- Massage Therapist: Soft tissue work and recovery
Golf-Specific Specialists
- TPI Certified Professionals: Golf-medical screening
- Golf Biomechanics Expert: Swing analysis and modification
- Strength and Conditioning: Golf-specific fitness programs
- Equipment Fitter: Club modifications for injury accommodation
Technology-Assisted Rehabilitation
Movement Analysis Tools
- 3D Motion Capture: Detailed swing analysis and tracking
- Force Plate Analysis: Ground reaction force patterns
- EMG Monitoring: Muscle activation pattern assessment
- Video Analysis: Swing comparison pre and post injury
Recovery Enhancement
- Blood Flow Restriction: Enhanced strength gains
- Electrical Stimulation: Muscle activation and pain relief
- Ultrasound Therapy: Deep tissue healing promotion
- Cold/Heat Therapy: Inflammation and recovery management