A relaxing day of golf — what could be better? Warmer weather means people are ready to get back on the green. And many dads, grads, and families will be spending Father’s Day on their favorite golf course. But after a long hiatus from the sport, you may be feeling more sore than usual.
After taking a break from practicing golf, there’s always an increased risk of injury, too. We’re here to help you (and Dad) get back into the swing of things with tips on how to avoid common golf injuries, and why massage for golfers is the perfect follow-up to playing a round of 18.
Massage for golfers
Should golfers get massages? The short answer: yes!
Massage is an excellent addition to any physical activity or workout routine. Even though golf is generally a low-impact sport, it requires strength, flexibility, and stamina to swing heavy clubs for 18 holes! Plus, the repetitive swinging motions can put added strain on back and shoulder muscles. Most golfers also tend to favor one side of the body, which can lead to overexertion and overcompensation in specific muscle areas. Most styles of massage are excellent for golf players whether you’re a competitive golfer or more of a weekend warrior on the green.
What kind of massage is best for golfers?
Most massage techniques are good for golfers, and even the PGA has recognized the importance of massage for a better golf game. When choosing the best massage for golfers, you’ll want to get a full-body treatment that focuses on the most-used muscles for the sport. A massage that targets the upper and lower back, shoulders, and legs is a great place to start.
A sports massage is excellent for anyone looking to hit the course with more frequency, or trying to prevent golf-related injury. This type of massage includes assisted stretching and can help reduce joint pain and increase flexibility and range of motion. You can even book an assisted stretching session before a round of golf to maximize the benefits, and help prevent golf-related injuries.
Swedish and deep tissue massages are great for relieving tension and strain if you went a little too hard. These types of massage focus more on reducing pain and treating soreness. If you really wanted to impress for Father’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries, give your golfer a set of new clubs with a gift card for a massage!
Common golf injuries and how to avoid them
You probably haven’t heard of too many people who injure themselves while playing golf. After all, the game is played at a slow pace, there’s no physical contact, and golf is considered a low-impact, low-risk sport. That being said, golf is surprisingly hard on the body! These are some of the most common injuries for golfers, and tips to avoid them.
Back injuries
The golf swing, while arguably the most important part of a good golf game, is also the most likely to cause an injury. The repetitive motion often causes muscle strain, soreness, and torsion. Low back pain is also a common complaint among golfers. The large range of motion and twisting required for a powerful swing can easily cause an injury, and aggravate an existing back condition. This is especially common with poor form, or using a club that’s too heavy.
How to prevent it: Proper warm-up, strength training, and regular massage can help prevent back injuries from golf.
Golfer’s elbow
Not to be mistaken for tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow affects the inside of the joint. Muscle tension and overuse cause golfer’s elbow. This painful condition can be extremely debilitating if not treated early and quickly. Using heavy clubs or swinging too fast without the proper strength or warmup can lead to golfer’s elbow, especially after a long hiatus from the sport.
How to prevent it: The best way to prevent golfer’s elbow is to work on strengthening the forearm muscles to support the joint.
Head and neck tension
All that swinging and twisting is tough on golfers’ upper bodies. Many golfer’s suffer from tension in their shoulders and neck. Headaches are also common after playing 18 holes. It’s a common misconception that you don’t need to stretch before or after playing golf. However, skipping the warmup is never a good idea!
How to prevent it: Stretching an d warming up the upper body and neck before play is crucial. Upper body strength training can also prevent neck and shoulder pain. If you experience neck tension after playing golf, a massage focused on the back and upper body can help.
Lower body soreness
While golf injuries tend to affect the upper body, some golfers experience lower-body pain after playing as well. Golf involves a lot of walking and standing for long periods, which can take a toll on the legs and feet. Common complaints include limited hip mobility, sore calves, tight hamstrings, and foot pain.
How to prevent it: Stretching before and between holes can help prevent soreness. Scheduling a massage after a round of golf is also a great way to soothe away tension.
Massage: a great Father’s Day gift idea for golfers
Give dad a Father’s Day gift he’ll love! Pairing a round of golf with a relaxing massage is sure to be a hole-in-one. Massage gift cards are also perfect for any avid golfers in your life, and recent graduates too!
