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- $Unique_ID{BRK01649}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Is Golf a Safe Sport?}
- $Subject{golf exercise hazards Community social Sport athletics joints tendons
- golfers back strained muscles ruptured discs elbows tendon joint Shoulder
- Arthritic exercises exercising Sports injury injuries athletic golfer strain
- strains muscle rupture disc elbow Shoulders Arthritis lifestyle lifestyles}
- $Volume{Q-23}
- $Log{
- Possible Sites of Shoulder Fractures*0015802.scf
- Types of Shoulder Fractures*0015803.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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-
- Is Golf a Safe Sport?
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-
- QUESTION: I have had my share of injuries on the athletic field, but now
- desire something a bit more tranquil and safe. I now have the opportunity to
- join a golf club, but before starting I want to consult a doctor, and have
- chosen you to provide me the information I need. Don't you think that golf is
- a safe sport for a man of my age? I am 72.
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-
- ANSWER: Who said golf was safe? I guess you have forgotten all about Past
- President Gerald Ford? To be sure, golf injuries aren't exactly common, but
- they do happen. Golfers don't experience the severe injuries that are more
- common in other sports, particularly contact sports, but their injuries can
- cause just as much discomfort and disability.
- Low back pain and problems with joints and tendons are the most frequent
- complaints of golfers who have injured themselves. The back problems can
- range from strained muscles to ruptured discs. The twisting action required
- to hit a golf ball can injure the vulnerable lower back, and elbows are also
- often the site of inflamed tendons because of too much play on the golf
- course. Any motion that is repeated over and over can create a strain on the
- joint. Golfers who practice the same swing over and over often experience
- pain in the muscles used in the swing. Shoulder injuries can also happen to
- the golfer who has a mishap as he swings. Arthritic golfers should be
- especially careful, using a grip with the hands spaced wider apart and
- possibly using clubs that are specially fitted to reduce shock to the hands
- and arms when the ball is hit.
- The best advice to avoid golf injuries is to start each season slowly,
- gradually building to a comfortable length of play. And take a few minutes to
- stretch your muscles before you begin play. Then play in a relaxed, evenly
- paced fashion. Oh yes, and remember to duck when someone yells "Fore".
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-