Millions of people from professionals to weekend warriors enjoy golf. Low back injuries, however, can occur due to the repetitive nature of the golf swing. Golfers experience compressive loads on their spines that are 8 times one's bodyweight, whereas the loads experienced during running are only 3 times body weight¹.

• There are, however, a few things that you can do to help prevent lower back pain from keeping you off of the links this season.

1. Work with a golf professional to correct technique errors - as these errors can place undue stress on the spine and other joints.
2. Participate in a golf-specific strength training program to strengthen the muscles that you need to hit those 300 yard drives.
3. Perform golf-specific stretching before and during practice and while on the course to keep the working muscles loose, and to protect the working joints.
4. Engage in a cardiovascular training program to help with the endurance required for an 18-hole round
5. Learn and perform spinal stabilization and core strengthening techniques to protect the spine.

At Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN), our therapists are uniquely trained in all of the stretching, strengthening, and stabilization techniques that you will need to have an enjoyable and injury free golf season. For those looking for friendly, quality, professional services, ECHN's Rehabilitation Services Department offers a comprehensive range of accessible services.

In addition, to offering convenient hours, ranging from early morning to early evening (Monday-Friday), ECHN also participates in a number of insurance plans, including but not limited to, Medicare, Medicaid (all plans), Cigna, BC, Connecticare, Healthnet and Aetna.

If you would like more information on how to regain or improve your movement through Physical Therapy, please contact any one of the locations listed below for any questions regarding services at ECHN or to schedule an appointment:

Our Convenient Locations

• Manchester Memorial Hospital 647.6485
• Rockville General Hospital 872.5261
• The Rehab Center at Courthouse Plus 649.3369
• Glastonbury Wellness Center 652-3181
• Rehabilitation Services at Evergreen Walk 533.4670

1. Hosea TM, Gatt CJ. (1996). Back Pain In Golf. Clinics in Sports Medicine,15 (1):37 - 53.