As the region’s most preferred orthopedic practice, OrthoSC is the trusted choice for golfers seeking expert orthopedic care.
Whether you're playing competitively or enjoying a weekend round, golf places unique demands on the body that require specialized care when injuries occur.
The repetitive motion of the golf swing can place stress on the shoulders, elbows, wrists, spine, hips, and knees, leading to pain that affects both your game and your daily life. At OrthoSC, our specialty-trained doctors understand the biomechanics of golf and provide comprehensive care for a wide range of golf-related injuries and conditions.
From conservative treatment and physical therapy to advanced surgical care when needed, our team develops personalized treatment plans focused on relieving pain, restoring function, and helping you return to the course with confidence.
Proud to be part of the elite national group The Golf Docs, our experts at OrthoSC offer invaluable insights into injury prevention and performance enhancement. As a part of The Golf Docs, we are dedicated to assisting you in achieving peak performance on the course.
Preparing for Golf & Preventing Injury
A healthy golf game starts long before you step onto the first tee. Building strength, improving flexibility, and maintaining mobility can help increase swing efficiency while reducing the risk of injury caused by repetitive movement.
Incorporating conditioning exercises into your routine and warming up before every round can improve performance and help protect your joints and muscles throughout the season. The following exercises, recommended by OrthoSC's orthopedic specialists, are designed to improve stability, mobility, and overall golf fitness.
Injury Prevention Exercises
TORSO ROTATION STRETCH
1. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms crossed over your chest.
2. Slowly rotate your upper body to one side while keeping your hips facing forward.
3. Continue until you feel a gentle stretch through your torso and lower back.
4. Hold for 15 to 20 seconds.
5. Repeat on the opposite side.
SIDE PLANK
1. Begin by lying on your side with your elbow positioned directly under your shoulder and your legs extended.
2. Lift your hips off the ground, creating a straight line from your head to your feet.
3. Keep your core engaged and avoid letting your hips drop.
4. Hold for 20 to 40 seconds, then switch sides.
HIP ROTATION
1. Lie on your side with your knees bent and arms extended straight out in front of you.
2. Keeping your knees together, slowly rotate your top arm across your body, opening your chest toward the opposite side.
3. Allow your upper back to rotate while keeping your lower body stable.
4. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds and return to the starting position.
5. Repeat on the other side.
WRIST FLEXOR STRETCH
1. Extend one arm straight in front of you with your palm facing upward.
2. Use your opposite hand to gently pull your fingers downward toward the floor.
3. Continue until you feel a stretch along your forearm.
4. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds.
5. Switch arms and repeat.
SQUATS
1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed slightly outward.
2. Lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back while keeping your chest upright.
3. Keep your weight through your heels as you descend.
4. Push through your heels to return to a standing position.
5. Repeat for 10 to 15 repetitions.
When to See an Expert
It's common for golfers to experience occasional soreness, but pain that persists or interferes with your swing should not be ignored. Early evaluation can help identify the source of your symptoms, prevent further injury, and get you back to playing sooner.
Consider scheduling an appointment if you experience:
- Ongoing pain during or after playing
- Limited range of motion or stiffness
- Symptoms that do not improve with rest
- Sudden pain in the shoulder, back, elbow, hip, knee, or wrist
- Weakness or instability that affects your swing
Common golf-related injuries include:
- Golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries and shoulder pain
- Lower back strain
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Hip and knee overuse conditions
- Tendinitis and muscle strains
Who to See for Golf Injury Care
Don't let pain slow your golf swing! At OrthoSC, our team of experts specializes in getting you back to the sport you love. We offer personalized care plans that address your specific injury, starting with nonsurgical approaches whenever possible.
Our experienced doctors understand the importance of a precise diagnosis. They'll use their expertise to create a treatment plan that gets you moving again.
Urgent Care Is Now Expert Care
Keeping the Grand Strand community strong as the region's most preferred orthopedic practice, OrthoSC is here for you every day.
When you need the right care, right now for a bone, joint, or muscle injury, walk into our orthopedic Urgent Care for immediate evaluation and treatment by orthopedic specialists. Our team is committed to helping you recover quickly so you can get back to the activities you enjoy, including the game of golf.