For a long time golfers mimicked the way that Jack Nicklaus held his head and neck during his swing. However, when he began to work with a physical therapist, it was discovered that he had very limited range of motion and his neck posture was a way of compensating for this.
One thing that should be considered when dealing with chronic tendinitis is to what degree neck stiffness and arthritic changes play a role. If tendinitis is a recurring problem in both arms or shoulders, there is a high likelihood that neck dysfunction is also a factor.
If the nerves that control the muscle of the neck and shoulder are compressed by tight muscles or vertebral dysfunction, then the muscles that these nerves control will fatigue quicker and not work as efficiently. This also increases the potential for muscle inflammation (myositis) and tendinitis.
Neck dysfunction, like tendinitis may be the result of cumulative trauma. Prolonged holding of poor postures while sitting at the computer, in front of the television or when driving will contribute to neck problems.
The resulting tightness and loss of motion in the neck create the need for compensatory postures elsewhere in the body.
As always, consult your physician before starting any exercise program. If you have shooting pains in your arms and/or pins and needles feelings in your hands or fingers, seek medical attention immediately.
If you were to take one of your fingers and pull it back while you read this post, you would probably find that by the end of your reading, your finger joint would be getting pretty sore. When I am talking to groups about posture, I usually have them do this while I speak and it isn't very long before they are releasing their finger and shaking their hand.
When we hang on the end of our ligaments for extended periods, a lot of changes begin to take place that result in joint and tissue damage if held there too long. When we sit for long periods in a slumped posture, we hang on the ligaments between our spinal vertebrate. Just like holding your finger back causes pain and discomfort, we set up the same scenario in our spine.
A slumped posture means that we have to extend our spine in the neck in order to hold our head level. This is a real problem for those who sit at a computer for a long time - especially for those who were bifocals.
So here is a simple exercise: Imagine your spine is suspended on a string, then try and straighten your spine along that string. This requires that you sit up tall and hold your head level while pushing your head back slightly over your shoulders. The neck motion is somewhat like a bird when it walks - first moving forward and then back. The trick is to hold your head level while you do this.
Without this freedom of motion, it will be very difficult to keep your eye on the ball during your back swing. That means that you will compensate usually by losing rotation in the spine and trying to make up for it in the arms and shoulders. This is very difficult to do consistently.
If this exercise causes any pain other than a stretch at the base of your skull or across your shoulders, then you need to stop and consult your physician.
Paul Callaway was the first director of physical therapy on the PGA tour. Some years ago, I completed one of his courses on body balance for performance and it began to open my eyes to the challenge of golf and why I like the game but stopped playing.
He points out that there are two main reasons for quitting and those are; 1. injury and 2. Frustration with the game. It is a hard game. His main emphasis that I took away from his course is that our bodies are the most important piece of equipment that we have.
He had become involved with the PGA through a mutual friend while he was working as an athletic trainer for professional athletes in other sports. He was not a golfer but he, like other physical therapists are movement specialists and could easily apply what he knew about body mechanics in other sports to the game of golf. His first PGA golf client was Jack Nicklaus.
As we took our coursework to the practical application of the driving range, (oh, I how I hate these kind of courses) he demonstrated how he applied golf specific exercises to achieve impressive consistency and accuracy with his shots. Impressive because he had learned to play golf later in life.
His five secrets to success are as follows:
1. A customized and sport-specific physical training program
2. Professional instruction in your chosen sport
3. Proper mental skills
4. Training equipment.
5. Talent to enjoy the sport
The blending of these is what allows us to play our best.
If you are reconsidering playing the game again, do it right this time by getting the right kind of help
Have a Great Game!
Steve McMurray
If you love the game of golf but are frustrated by a seeming inability to swing consistently or have been sidelined by injuries, then you absolutely must sign up for the ezgolfrx insights and solutions monthly newsletter. With your subscription you will also be given a link to a years worth of free golf videos with no further obligation. You also have the option of receiving a daily blog in which I share insights on how the mechanics of the golf swing relates to your body.
The information that I share includes: What stretches you should never do before you play a round of golf. How to improve your "x" factor safely, Why back and shoulder pain are the most common injuries in golf; and much, much more. Your body is a fantastic piece of golf equipment that you must learn how to protect and use in order to enjoy the game of golf again!
Thanks for reading and... Have a Great Game!
Steve McMurray MPT
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