Golf Injuries and How to Avoid Them

Golf Injuries and How to Avoid them to Keep Swinging Pain-Free

Golf should be enjoyable. But if every swing is followed by a wince, you’re not alone. Golf injuries are more common than most people realise—and they’re not just a problem for the pros.

The good news? Most of them are preventable. And with the right strategies and support, you can stay on the course longer, feel better, and maybe even hit it a little further.

Why Do Golf Injuries Happen?

Golf isn’t a body collision sport like footy, but it’s not exactly gentle either. The repeated twisting, bending, and powerful swings all place strain on your body. Especially if parts of your body aren’t moving well.

Common trouble spots include:

• Lower back
• Elbows (hello, golfer’s elbow)
• Hips and shoulders
• Knees and wrists

So here’s the kicker—where you feel the pain often isn’t where the problem started. A sore knee can come from a misaligned pelvis. And a misaligned upper back can give you headaches. It’s all connected.

4 Ways to Prevent Golf Injuries

1. Warm Up with Purpose
   A quick hit of a few practice swings isn’t enough. You need to warm up dynamically. It’s about getting the blood flowing. Think torso rotations, hip openers, and shoulder activations. These movements prep your joints and muscles to move smoothly and powerfully.

Check out our Golf Warm-Up Blog for a full routine.

2. Build Core Strength
   Your core is your body’s power centre. And if it’s weak, other areas overcompensate—which leads to strain and injury. Core strength helps with stability, posture, and power in the swing.
   Need ideas? Try planks, dead bugs, and bird dogs. Or dive into our Core for Golf Blog.

3. Work on Your Posture
   Setting up to the golf ball with a rounded hunched posture is detrimental to your game. It limits your rotation and forces other parts of your body to do more than necessary. That compensation can cause all sorts of problems. Want to know where you can start straightening out your posture? Our website has all the details you need to get your posture from prawn to pro.

4. Get Assessed
   If pain’s already showing up—or if something just feels ‘off’—don’t wait. An assessment with a chiropractor can identify movement issues before they become serious injuries.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Golfers

Chiropractic care isn’t just about pain relief. It’s about restoring proper movement, reducing joint stress, and helping your body perform the way it’s meant to.

We often find that elbow or shoulder pain is linked to spinal restrictions or hip imbalances. Adjustments improve joint mobility, reduce tension, and improve nerve function. That means less pain, faster recovery, and better performance.

Let’s Keep You on the Course

You don’t have to choose between playing golf and feeling good. With the right prep and a bit of care, you can have both.

If pain is limiting your swing—or your enjoyment—it’s time to do something about it. Book in with Jason Barby at Coffs Total Chiropractic and let’s help you get back to playing your best.