Where golfers tend to feel pain
Golf asks the body to rotate, grip and repeat the same swing. Research reviews often report pain in the lower back, hand, wrist, shoulder, elbow and knee. Professional and leisure golfers do not always have the same injury pattern.
Some symptoms start after one shot or a sudden twist. Others build over several rounds or practice sessions. A fast rise in practice, repeated shots from mats or poor rest may play a part. An assessment can help find what applies to you.
Back pain
Back pain can start during the swing, after a round or later that day. Cut back on movements that make it worse. Do not keep testing a painful full swing. Book an assessment if the pain is severe, gets worse, keeps returning or limits normal movement.
Shoulder, elbow and wrist pain
The shoulder, elbow and wrist handle repeated force, impact and grip. Get assessed after striking the ground if you have clear pain, swelling or bruising. A large loss of grip strength also needs attention. When you return, build up the number of shots slowly.
Knee pain
The knees help control rotation and weight transfer during the swing. Pain after a twist needs more care if the knee swells, locks or gives way. Do not treat these signs as normal stiffness.
Reducing the chance of another problem
- Build up practice and playing time slowly.
- Use a short warm-up before hitting at full speed.
- Choose strength and mobility work that suits your needs.
- Take breaks during long practice sessions.
- Ask a qualified golf coach to review any movement that keeps causing pain.
No routine can prevent every injury. Choose one that fits your health, current ability and playing schedule.
When to seek urgent help
Get urgent medical care after a serious injury if you cannot put weight on the limb. An obvious change in shape also needs urgent care. Seek help for severe swelling, new numbness or weakness. Back pain with loss of bladder or bowel control needs urgent care. So does numbness around the saddle area, chest pain or feeling very unwell.