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NWO Golf Links
BY DR. DEITRA HICKEY, PHD
YOU MAY THINK THAT
BECAUSE GOLF IS A LOW-
IMPACT SPORT THAT
INJURY MAY NOT
occur
very often. This is not
the case and because of
common improper body
mechanics, overuse of
specific muscle groups,
and the lack of prevention,
the sport is associated with
numerous injuries. As with
many other things in life, it is
much easier to maintain a healthy
body rather than let it go and try to fix
it later.
Here are some wellness and body mechanic
suggestions to keep you injury and pain-free:
Consider Implementing
Massage
Therapy
and
Yoga
into your Life
Often, injuries occur because of tight muscles
and a lack of flexibility. This is when you will
experience your muscles overextended, minor
tears, and pulled muscle groups. A trained
sports massage therapist will do an assessment
of mobility, flexibility and muscle tightness.
The massage will also incorporate facilitated
stretching of any areas of concern. Tight and
overused muscles develop an abundance of
inflammation.
Regular massage therapy
will assist with lymphatic
stimulation and when
coupled with yoga, the
flexibility is drastically
improved.
The idea of these
preventative wellness
services is to pamper
muscle groups and
prepare them to take on
the repetition and strain they
are put through on the course.
Massage therapy and yoga also
release endorphins relating to stress and
mental clarity. When we hit the course and our
mind is clear and relaxed, we not only perform
better, but there is also less likelihood that
we will lose focus and endure a self-inflicted
injury. Preventive wellness services are highly
recommended to assist with maintaining
your healthy body to perform at your greatest
capacity.
Be Aware of Poor
Body Mechanics
In golf, the swing is so complex and repetitive
that you want to make sure your body mechanics
are correct so your muscles, tendons and joints
do not get injured over time. You should always
warm up for 10 minutes or so before you
practice or play a round.
Think
“Preventative”
to
Avoid Common
GOLF INJURIES!