STL All Sports

Most folks don't connect golf with sports injuries, but they do happen. Even the pros are injured time to time. There are a few things you can to prevent golf injuries. Very simple things to prevent golf injuries.

Golfer's Elbow

The first topic is golfer's elbow. It's a tightness in the elbow that prevents flexibility and inhibits movements. You can prevent golfer's elbow by:

• Squeezing a tennis ball. By squeezing a tennis ball you build up the power in your forearm muscles limiting the pressure on your elbow tendons. Five to ten minutes a day is enough.
• Curling your wrists. With a very lightweight dumbbell you can achieve better strength. You'll want to lower the weight down to your fingers the with a curling motion, lift it back to your palms. Once there curl it up an inch or two higher. You should do ten repetitions and then follow with the other arm.
• Curling your wrists in reverse. Same as curling your wrists, but turn your hand around. You should do ten repetitions and then follow with the other arm.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common complaint and is usually associated with a lack of flexibility and strength in the lower back. Complicating this is your swing. If you have a poor swing posture you can compound these issues.

There are two exercises you can do to prevent lower back pain:

• Rowing Motion: Instead of using a rowing machine you can use a piece of rubber tubing. You'll want to connect it to something shoulder height. Stand with your arms straight out and grab the tubing. Pull the rubber tubing towards your chest and let it back. You should ten repetitions a few times a week.
• Pull Down Motion: Use the rubber tubing again at shoulder height. Kneel down and pull the rubber tubing over your head. As you pull it down make sure you go slow toward your chest. Once there pull the tubing over your head. You should ten repetitions a few times a week.