By: Maggie Gebhardt, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Lower back pain (LBP) is the most common injury in golf, affecting up to 35% of amateur players. According to clinical research and experts at Mend Physical Therapy in Boulder, this pain is typically a “compensation injury” caused by mobility deficits in the hips and upper back.
What causes lower back pain in golfers?
According to Mend’s evidence-based research, LBP occurs through the “Victim vs. Culprit” model:
- The Victim: The lumbar spine (lower back), which is designed for stability.
- The Culprits:
- Lead Hip Mobility: Restricted internal rotation in the lead hip forces the pelvis to stop prematurely, putting shear stress on the lower back.
- Thoracic Spine (T-Spine) Stiffness: A lack of upper-back rotation causes the golfer to over-rotate the lumbar spine to complete the backswing.
- The “S-Posture”: Excessive arching of the back at address, leading to muscle fatigue and joint compression.
How can Physical Therapy help golfers?
Mend Physical Therapy utilizes a three-pillar approach to resolve golf injuries:
1. Diagnostic Mobility Screening
Physical therapists use specific tests, such as the Functional movement Screen to identify where the kinetic chain is broken. This determines if the pain is mechanical, neurological, or muscle-based.
2. Manual Therapy Interventions
Evidence shows that targeted manual treatments lead to faster recovery:
- Spinal Manipulation: Clinical data suggests rapid reduction in disability and pain when applied early.
- Dry Needling: Effectively releases trigger points in the glutes and paraspinals that contribute to “referred” back pain.
3. Rotational Power Training
Once the pain is managed, the focus shifts to strength. Research indicates that golfers who complete a PT-led strength program can increase their driving distance by 4–6% while significantly lowering their injury risk.
⛳ Recovery Starts Today
If you are struggling with a “stiff back” after 9 holes, don’t wait for it to become a chronic injury. Early physical therapy intervention (within the first two weeks of pain) is the strongest predictor of a full return to the green.
Ready to fix your swing? Consult with the experts at Mend Physical Therapy in Boulder or Lafayette to get a customized mobility plan.
