This week’s lesson comes from the Titleist Performance Institute in the US and the Golf Performance Clinic in Australia.

When a golfer comes into the clinic there are a few important things to look for.

1. I check their rotation. A loss of hip rotation or thoracic rotation may mean increased load on the lumbar spine. When you analyze their swing and you see a tendency for them to move their spine towards the target in the back swing, this may be indicative of excess extension through the low back.

2. Are they able to squat? Do they have the core stability to balance on one leg? Good balance and motor control are imperative to keep the back healthy during the golf season.

3. I check for excess length and weakness in the leading rhomboid (left for a right handed golfer) and shortening of the pectoralis minor on the same side. Golfers need good shoulder motor control to resist the forces created by the club head. See the shoulderdoc for more.

4. If I am treating a younger player who is hitting up to 200 balls per day it is imperative they are doing exercises for the other side of the body. They should be doing left handed swings as well as stretches and strengthening exercises for both sides of the body.

5. I use a parts of the Titleist performance institutes and SFMA asessment approaches to identify areas of stiffness and potential areas of weakness. I use the information to guide my treatment and create a personalized home program.

Check my post on weekly resources for more information.