Our hip joints play a crucial role in generating power and stability throughout the golf swing. However, the repetitive motion of the golf swing can also make golfers more susceptible to developing hip injuries. Golfers often face hip-related injuries due to the constant rotational stress that is being place on the hip joints with each swing.
Common causes of hip pain that can affect the golf swing include:
- Labrum tears
- FAI – femoral acetabular impingement
- Bursitis
- IT band syndrome
- Hip flexor strain/tightness
Throughout the golf swing the hip joints go through internal rotation, external rotation, flexion and extension. Limited hip mobility can significantly impact a golfers ability to rotate their body effectively, which can lead to other areas of the body to overcompensate. These compensations can reduce power output, alter swing mechanics, and increase the risk of developing further injuries.
Common hip injury inducing swing mechanics:
- Set-up – if the feet are pointed inwards during the set-up, this creates a “closing off” of the hip joints and limits the amount of hip rotation the golfer can get throughout the golf swing
- “Swaying” in the backswing or “Sliding” in the downswing can cause excessive shifting into the hip which can cause impingement
The treatment for hip injuries depends on the type of injury sustained, as different injuries require different methods of treatment and some may require more extensive care than others. By incorporating a balance of hip mobility exercises and lower body strength training, we are able to build a dynamic athlete that can withstand the constant stresses being placed on the body in golf.
Did you know? Dr. Vincent is Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified and has worked with and treated golfers all throughout the South Florida area. TPI is the world’s leading golf educational organization designed to study how the human body functions throughout the golf swing. TPI certified practitioners analyze how potential biomechanical limitations can negatively impact a player’s swing and how these limitations can lead to potential injury.
Dr. Vincent Youngross, DC
