By: Maggie Gebhardt, PT, DPT, OCS
Low back pain is one of the most common injuries in golfers, and according to physical therapists Maggie and Hope at MEND Colorado, the issue often starts far from the spine itself. In golf, proper lead leg hip internal rotation (left hip for right-handed golfers) is essential for efficient trunk rotation and force transfer during the swing. When a golfer lacks adequate lead hip internal rotation, the body compensates by increasing motion through the lumbar spine — an area not designed for excessive rotational stress. Research highlighted by MEND Colorado has identified restricted lead hip internal rotation as a predictor of future low back pain in golfers, which is why Maggie and Hope prioritize assessing hip mobility in every golf physical therapy evaluation.
At MEND Colorado, treatment for golf-related low back pain focuses on restoring hip mobility and improving strength to reduce compensatory lumbar motion. By improving hip internal rotation and strengthening the glutes and core, Maggie and Hope help redistribute forces more evenly through the lower body. This approach not only reduces current back pain but also improves swing efficiency and long-term performance. Their golf physical therapy programs incorporate targeted hip mobility drills, glute-focused strengthening, and progressive core stabilization to improve balance, rotational control, and power production — key components for a smoother, more powerful swing.
In addition to corrective exercise, dry needling and advanced manual therapy techniques are integrated when appropriate to address muscle tension and trigger points limiting hip and trunk mobility. Dry needling, performed by certified physical therapists like Maggie and Hope, can reduce pain, improve muscle activation, and enhance the effectiveness of sport-specific rehabilitation. By combining hands-on treatment with individualized sports performance physical therapy for golfers, MEND Colorado helps athletes return to the course stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to prevent future low back injuries.
If you are a golfer in Boulder experiencing low back pain, improving your lead hip internal rotation may be the missing link — and Maggie and Hope at MEND Colorado are here to help.
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