DETROIT – If you are a golfer, you know that it can be a demanding sport. If you don’t take your fitness seriously, there is a real possibility of injuries.
Dr. Joe Guettler, a renowned orthopedic surgeon with the “Michigan Orthopedic Surgeons” group, emphasizes the importance of staying fit in the off-season to prevent injuries.
That includes strengthening, stretching, and cardio.
He stresses the need to strengthen one’s core, as most of the force generated during a swing comes from that area.
Before going out on the course, Guettler also stresses the importance of proper stretching to avoid common injuries.
Areas particularly prone to injury include the leading shoulder, the following elbow, the low back, and the leading knee.
Most injuries are minor and related to chronic strain and overuse, but sometimes injuries can be serious, for example, rotator cuff and meniscus tears.
If you sustain a minor injury, he recommends turning to the time-tested treatment known as RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Guettler acknowledges rest, in particular, might be challenging for some golfers given how short Michigan’s golf season is.
While he believes four to six weeks is ideal for a rest period, two weeks might work out for some people. Taking good care of injured areas will help you heal better and get you back on the course sooner.