Building Better Golfers through Balance
Golfers tend to be a very motivated crew when it comes to doing whatever it takes to improve their game and keep them on the course.
So what if we told you a balance deficit you were not even aware of was killing your game? This hidden demon could be the missing link to the game of your dreams.
Let’s face it, most of us are not even aware that we have an issue with our balance or balance has the stigma of being an issue for old people. The reality, however, is that most of us are walking around with a deficit in our balance/vestibular system (ie dizziness, lightheaded). We did a fun balance assessment on our staff and uncovered a deficit in our PT (50 years old) who continues to run, hike and participate in competitive volleyball. The deficit likely started from a mild concussion many years ago, but could lead to a more sinister injury (knee, back, etc) if left unaddressed. It also uncovered a deficit in our other PT (25 years old), also stemming from a concussion during his hockey days. Once we discovered this surprising deficit, it could be traced to episodes of back, neck, knee and shoulder pain that we both have experienced along the way. That was really eye opening and caused us to take a deeper dive into just how big of an influence balance can be on our performance and pain.
What we discovered was that BALANCE is VITAL to optimal health and GOLF performance!
An underlying balance deficit is often the trigger for many joint aches and pains because the body is having to work harder to compensate for that deficit. The body naturally compensates for that balance deficit by limiting or slowing down our motion, allowing it to feel more stable. Over time we start to notice this motion loss most pronounced in our thoracic spine (mid back) and hips, which are vital to the golf swing. Improving balance will allow for faster trunk and hip rotation which directly translate to greater power behind the swing and greater distance to the drive. Improving balance can also lead to longevity on the golf course and endurance during and after a round of golf.
Another key component to affecting balance and optimal performance is posture. Even a slight deviation from our ideal posture affects the function of every single muscle in the body. Improving posture and balance reduces the underlying compensatory patterns that cause those nagging back, neck, hip, knee, elbow, and shoulder pains. When muscles aren’t compensating and are restored to their ideal functional length, strength and mobility increase, improving performance with the swing naturally becoming more effective.
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers we incorporate a unique, but highly effective form of myofascial release for structural body work, postural correction and pain relief. This provides a powerful combination for results.
A simple shift in weight distribution from the being too far into the heels or the balls of the foot can have the effect of a lower golf score and change the nature and quality of your shot and sets the stage for other improvements.
If such a small tweak can improve your game, imagine what a full golf performance assessment can do.
Mobility, stability (aka balance) and strength are required to meet the demands of golf and achieve the desired results and should be a part of any quality golf performance program.
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, balance and posture assessments are a staple to our program, along with taking into account any previous or existing injuries that may be impacting performance. Combining the result of our balance and postural assessment with a joint by joint analysis allows us to develop a program tailored to the specific needs of each golfer.
There is no one size fits all that you can read in a magazine and do. We all arrive at our present state of function (or dysfunction) through use and abuse over the course of our lifetime. This is impacted by injuries, accidents, surgeries and sustained postures related to our work and daily activities. Your program should be unique to you to maximize performance and longevity on the greens.
Let’s face it, golf is more fun when you are performing well. Addressing the balance, strength and motion components allows for you to be able to maximize the fun!
The results have the added benefit to translating to all other areas of your life. This is how FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is helping golfers and can help you LOVE YOUR LIFE.
Key take home message—better, longer, higher performing golf game.
For a limited time, we are offering a free golf performance assessment.
Nick Newquist PT, DPT
- Golf fanatic
- Rapidly building his golf clientele with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game
Sandi Salazar PT, MSPT, Nike GPS (golf performance specialist), CAFS
