As golf physiotherapists we are specially trained to assess and treat injures that are specific to golfers. We understand that the golf swing is a complex sequence of movements that requires a combination of mobility, stability and motor control to avoid injury and play to your full potential. We use a screen developed by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) to screen golfers for any limitations in their body which are inhibiting their performance on the golf course or causing any short- or long-term injuries.

When should I see a Golf Physiotherapist?

Here at Sydney Physiotherapy Solutions we believe that prevention is better than cure. You do not have to be injured to benefit from our golf screen. If you are starting to feel niggling low back pain that is getting gradually getting worse with each round, then there is likely a physical impairment that is causing this. Likewise, if you would like to get an extra 20 metres on your drive or if you are struggling with the final three holes due to physical fitness, then you will benefit greatly from our golf screen.

While golf physiotherapy is a relatively new phenomenon, golf physiotherapists are becoming increasinhly popular on the PGA and USPGA tours as players are noticing the value we add to their game. The main player that resonates with most of us is of course Tiger woods. Following his four back surgeries he had intensive physiotherapy and really appreciated the positive impact physiotherapy had on his return to the top of golf – “He let me progress through the bag after a few weeks. I sent him videos. We talked about it and I talked about it with my physio. We had a game plan.”

What is TPI?

TPI is the world’s founding organisation that specialises in the study of the relationship between how our body functions in relation to the golf swing. TPI was first established in 2003 and since then it has been collecting data on golfers from all walks of life with the aim of educating them on the importance of proper bodily function to complement their golf performance and reduce golf related injuries.

What does a TPI physical screen consist of?

A TPI physical screen will consist of a 45-minute one-on-one consult with one of our specialist golf physios taking you though 16 different tests to identify any limitations that you may have that will affect your golf performance or lead to injures down the track. The results of the screen will be sent to you via e-mail and our physio will explain the report in detail. The screen will assess any mobility or stability deficiencies which we will target with our treatment plan. We provide you with online access to a large body of golf specific exercises which we will use to make up your personalised exercise program.

What are the main golf injuries we treat at SPS?

• Low back pain
• Tendinitis in Elbows (Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow)
• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Wrist Injuries
• Hip injuries – stiffness and pain
• Neck pain
• Knee Pain – Instability, stiffness
• Foot and ankle injuries – Sprains

What are the benefits of a TPI golf assessment at SPS?

• Improve performance of your swing eg. Increase shot distance
• Improve efficiency of your golf swing – swing with less effort to produce a far better shot
• Reduce risk of future injuries
• It allows us to target specific areas of your body which may be directly inhibiting your golf game eg. Find the driver of your back pain which may be affecting the power of shots

Video Analysis

As part of our TPI screen we also encourage golfers to send us videos of their golf swing from two different views. We use computer programs to assess their golf swing and highlight areas of the body which may be interfering with their efficiency. We like to work closely with your golf professional to ensure you get the greatest results from your lessons. 

Why Choose SPS for your TPI golf screen?

At SPS we will provide you with an assessment, diagnosis and specialised treatment plan to target the main issues causing your pain or affecting your performance on the golf course. Our two golf physios, Andrew and Conor are both avid golfers and have a great understanding of the game which will enable them to interpret the results of your TPI screen easily and help get you on the path to reaching your full potential as a golfer.

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For some people, you may not see this coming. Over time, what may begin as a low level irritation can soon turn into a pattern of pain and discomfort from the stressed structures, which can lead to pain with grip, weakness in grip and sensitivity to touch. If this is your dominant arm then this can be quite limiting in day to day activities.

But alas! All is not lost! It may just be that your grip technique is off, and this in turn has put low level undue stress to the inside elbow. For example, a lot of amateur golfers can have poor swing mechanics at impact, which can lead to excessive load on the forearm muscles. Simple swing modifications may be all that you need to become pain free. For sports that require a lot of throwing (e.g Cricket or baseball), technique needs to address the power exerted from the ground up through the body. Rest from your aggravating activity, and icing around the elbow may be advised in the first instance to allow any inflammation to settle and structures affected to begin their repair process. A graded and progressive strength programme for the muscles of the shoulder, arm and forearm may also be required.

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This means warming up the right muscles, increasing your body temperature and practising the movement patterns required to bring out your best game. Ive picked the following 5 exercises as the ones that I think are most beneficial.

Before starting the exercise, warm your body up by having a 3-5 minute walk. Then:

1. Squats with golf club: Hold your club out in front of your body (hands shoulder width apart and club at shoulder height). Sit back into your squat as you lift your club up above shoulder level with both hands (stretching shoulders). Remember with your squat to keep the weight into your heels and your back in a nice neutral position (no bending or over arching through spine). This exercise with loosen up your shoulders as well getting some blood pumping into the leg and butt muscles.

Repeat x 10

2. Shoulder Mobilisation: If you have no shoulder problems, take the club in one hand (at the handle), and lift it up and over then behind the back (see pic). Your other hand

then reaches behind the back to hold the club at the other end . Release with the top hand and take the club from behind the back and back around over the top. Continue to pass from one hand to the other (like a figure 8 movement). Repeat x 10.

3. Leg swings: Now to think about loosening up those hip flexors. We know dynamic stretches are better pre game so get that leg a-swinging! Hold onto a fence or your club for support and then start with small leg swings back and forth. Increase your swing as the muscles loose up! Repeat swings x 10 per leg

4. Thoracic rotations: Next, place your club across your shoulders behind your neck (hands slightly wider than shoulders). Then bend the knees a little and lean slightly forward at the hips (similar to your swing position). From here, rotate from one side to the other – aim to get your club in front of your body with each turn. Repeat x 10 per side.

5. Practise swings: Go light with this. Spend about 2 mins practising your swing technique. This will get your body prepared for the movement and allow you to focus on your technique briefly pre game.

The you are good to go…. All set for the game of your life!

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