The Reason behind Knee Pain among Golfers
Golf is a sport that is liked by many people especially the older folks. It is regarded as a great low-impact activity for them to stay active. Nevertheless, golfers are at risk of several kinds of injuries. Knee pain is the most common injury that golfers experience. The golf swings place high amounts of torque on the knee. Negligence to knee injuries can not only cause physical disability but also delay recovery from other injuries or surgery.
How Knee Pain Injuries Occur
The knee is a common site for injuries in golf. Such injuries are associated with an inadequate warm-up, lack of trunk flexibility and strength, and lack of a better posture. Golfers are among the many athletes who have a high risk for sustaining a knee injury. The sport is always demanding on the golfer’s musculoskeletal system and joints. It is the enormous amount of force involved that usually causes havoc on the golfer’s body.
Golfers usually experience the knee problems in the kneecap or patella, frequently as a result of excessive pronation, increased by rotation of the legs and walking during the swing. Usually, the most common knee injury among golfers is a tear of the medial meniscus. The meniscus is a cartilage that acts as the shock absorber. Once the cartilage is injured, arthritis sets in.
The golf swing also generates torques and forces that tend to cause external and internal rotations of the tibia on the femur, and the menisci and knee ligaments repel these forces. Typically, the full muscle forces and the forces used during a swing are lesser than the ones that can cause harm to the ligaments.
How Physiotherapy Can Help To Minimise Knee Injuries
The complex movement of the golf swing requires proper technique to evade injuries on the knee joint. The knee is not built well for the side-to-side movement and rotations, which is associated with a golf swing. Therefore, golfers should find a better posture to minimise the additional stress on knees. A physiotherapist can help you to learn these measures for a better golf game without experiencing the excruciating pain.
A good tactic to avoid knee injuries is to work on the flexibility of muscles in your hips, middle back, and lower back. If these areas are flexible, you can do full rotations through the back and hips. The stress is evenly spread about the knee, avoiding further injury. Participating in strength training can also lessen the risk of injury and boost your performance. Having strong muscles around the knee is vital as it protects your knee against any unnecessary harm.
Paul McGinley, who is an Irish professional golfer, says that he always has his physiotherapists on tour. This is because they are very good at helping him with safe swinging techniques and know his knee as well. Apart from doing low impact exercises such as swimming, he maintains proper physiotherapy, ensuring that the muscles around his knee are strong. McGinley also recommends being physically, and mentally tough. A golfer must have a professional golf game, proper management, and good people around.
