Golf Injuries

Golfers of all skill levels can find expert care and performance coaching at Henry Ford Health. Our sports medicine specialists have experience in the unique physical demands of golfing. In addition to treating your injury, we provide the training and techniques you need to achieve your goals on the green.

Golf injury causes

While golf isn’t a high-impact sport, the constant twisting motion of your swing can put a great deal of stress on your muscles and joints. This repetitive, rotational motion can lead to a range of overuse injuries in your lower back, hips and elbows.

Beginning golfers are especially prone to injury if they don’t use the right technique. Improper grip, set-up, posture, swing motion or follow-through can result in knee, wrist and shoulder pain. Players need to activate muscles in their core and lower body to prevent torque (overtwisting) in the low back when swinging.

Golfing can also make existing health problems worse. If you have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or other chronic musculoskeletal conditions, you may use unsafe techniques to compensate.

Common golf injuries we treat

Our sports medicine specialists treat a range of golf injuries, including:

• Golfer’s elbow (inner elbow pain)
• Knee pain
• Low back pain
• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder instability
• Tennis elbow (outer elbow pain)
• Wrist tendinitis

Golf injury treatment

We use a variety of techniques to help golfers heal from injuries, including:

• Strength and conditioning: We help you improve strength in your core and glutes, which helps stabilize your swing and take stress off your low back and extremities. We also work with you on hip mobility and flexibility for safer swing rotation.
• Force plate technology: A weight-plated floor and specialized sensors help us measure the amount of force you exert on the ground during your swing. We can assess how you transfer weight, if you’re activating your leg muscles and other factors to enhance your technique and prevent re-injury.
• 3D motion analysis: We use advanced video technology and computerized assessments to evaluate your joint motion and form when swinging. This tool helps us pinpoint any movements that could be causing your injury.
• 1080 Quantum Syncro: This innovative tool gives real-time feedback and data analysis on force and speed during your strength and conditioning workout. We may use this to gradually and safely get you back on the golf course.

Most golfers can find relief from injuries with nonsurgical treatments. If you do need surgery, the experts at Henry Ford specialize in the latest minimally invasive procedures. These surgeries help you heal faster so you can get back on the green.

Golf injury prevention

Our experts recommend these tips and techniques for preventing golf injuries:

• Avoid overswinging.
• Maintain total-body strength and conditioning.
• Use the right body mechanics when swinging.
• Warm up and stretch your hips, back and shoulders before playing.

Golf injury care: Why choose Henry Ford?

At our sports medicine program, you’ll find:

• Experienced providers: Our skilled team includes athletic trainers certified by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). Henry Ford is also the official healthcare provider for the Rocket Mortgage Classic professional golf tournament. All of our experts use the latest evidence-based techniques to help you improve your golf game and prevent injuries.
• Minimally invasive treatment options: From Tenex procedures to treat Achilles and Patellar tendons to plasma-rich protein (PRP) injections to treat knee injuries there are options available to reduce procedure time, hasten recovery and increase potential for improved outcomes.
• Performance coaching: GolFit is our performance program dedicated to the unique needs of golfers. It offers group and individual classes for players of all ages and skill levels. We use 3D motion analysis at our Center for Athletic Medicine to assess your swing and improve your technique.
• Convenient access: Most providers can see you within 24 to 48 hours, so you receive prompt care for your injury. We offer in-person and virtual appointments. Henry Ford also features walk-in orthopedic clinics with extended evening hours to fit your busy schedule.
• Customized care: We provide personalized assessments for each athlete. By evaluating your body mechanics, range of motion and strength, we build training plans tailored to your unique needs and abilities.

Request an appointment

Request an appointment or learn more about our sports medicine services. We offer in-person and virtual visits.

If you’re ready to take your golf game to the next level, you can also learn more about our GolFit performance program. Titleist Performance Institute-certified athletic trainers help you perfect your swing and prevent injuries.

Explore our blogs

Learn more about golf injury prevention and recovery:

• How to Prevent 3 Common Golf Injuries