In the sixth in a series of columns aimed at helping people avoid or recover from injury and prepare well to participate in sport, motion sports therapist Stuart Farmer looks at the anatomy and the golf swing

THERE is a plethora of information being offered about golf today.

All of it is of interest, but how much of it is relevant?

When it comes to issues involving the golf swing, how can we tell the difference between poor technique and what is a mechanical problem?

The simple answer is, you can’t.

Each swing is uniquely individual and the variety of golf swings that we witness on the fairways represent the many ways in which the body compensates for its biomechanical weaknesses.

It is not surprising then that even the casual golfer can sustain injuries.

The very nature of the explosive swing can transfer a tremendous amount of stress throughout the body.

Rotational stresses alone put pressure on the spine from repeating the same motion hundreds of times in a bent-over stance for up to 4-5 hours.

It is, therefore, important to think about undertaking back exercises that stretch and strengthen your back if you want to prolong your golf career.

Repetitive movements also play a part in conditions such as tendinitis in the elbow.

This is an irritation and inflammation of the tendon tissue.

It is frequently referred to as tennis elbow – which affects the outer tendon – and golfer’s elbow when the injury is to the inner tendons.

Strangely, most golfers suffer more from tennis elbow and the chances of getting it increase with age.

Treatments focus on rest and allowing it to heal.

These are only two brief examples of golf-related injuries.

Issues with knees, shoulders, necks, hips and many more are common.

e can help to prevent such injuries by participating in golf-specific conditioning programs, performing a warm-up, stretching and avoiding long practice sessions.

Stuart runs a mobile service, Motion Sports Therapy, delivering treatments to your home, office or sports club. Find out more by visiting www.motionsportstherapy.co.uk or contact him on 07776 092540.