Many golfers are not aware of the rotator cuff and its function in golf. This group of muscles around the shoulder is crucial to the golf swing. Not surprisingly, the shoulder is one of the areas most often affected by the golf swing. Many golfers fall prey to strain and injury in this area.
Since most golfers
don’t realize the importance of the rotator cuff area, they don’t do any
conditioning to strengthen and help prevent injury. By using a golf fitness routine that includes
strength and flexibility exercises, many problems with the rotator cuff can not
only be improved but prevented as well. Increasing flexibility and
strengthening these muscles, will help to increase power and control in your
swing.
The rotator cuff is
the area of the shoulder that is a supporting and strengthening structure of
the shoulder joint. It is made up of the capsule of the shoulder joint blended
with tendons and muscles as they pass to the capsule or across it to insert on
the head of the humerus, the bone of the arm.
Golf can result in what is known as a repetitive strain injury to the
rotator cuff. Repeated movement of the
shoulder causes it. The sheaths that
cover the muscle tendons can swell and press on the nerves causing pain.
Tendonitis, bursitis, and tears in the rotator cuff are common injuries for
golfers.
To improve your
power and control of your golf swing as well as prevent injury, it is a good
idea to do regular stretches and exercises designed specifically for the
rotator cuff.
This conditioning
should be done on a regular basis both before play and in between rounds. It is especially important to warm up the
rotator cuff area before exercise. This
helps to increase blood flow to the deeper muscles and prepares them for
activity.
One simple way to
warm up is by holding the arms at shoulder level. Do at least 20 circles with both arms. The next step should be stretching exercises
to help reduce tension in these muscles.
Three areas should be stretched: the back, the front and the underside
of the rotator cuff. Once the stretches
have been completed, exercises to strengthen these muscles should be
performed. After exercise, golf practice
or rounds, be sure to cool down these muscles with stretching.
By simply
practicing a few stretches and exercises, you’ll not only help to prevent
injuries, you’ll see a more powerful and controlled golf swing.
Disclaimer:
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to
be a medical advice and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip
given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not
liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this
article.
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