Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your condition. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Golf may look gentle, but the forces generated through the swing are significant — and repetitive. Physiotherapy for golfers addresses both the immediate injury and the mobility and strength deficits that caused it, with direct benefits for performance as well as injury prevention.
The Golf Swing and Injury
The golf swing is a complex, explosive, rotational movement generating peak angular velocities at the hip and trunk. Key injury mechanisms include:
- Lumbar spine: Compressive and shear loading at impact — most acute in those with poor thoracic rotation compensating via lumbar rotation
- Leading wrist (for right-handers: the left): Impact loads transmitted through the wrist — ulnar deviation and dorsiflexion stresses can cause TFCC injuries, De Quervain's, and hook of hamate fractures
- Medial elbow: Impact creates a significant valgus force at the trailing elbow medial epicondyle
- Shoulder: Rotator cuff impingement from the internal rotation demands of the lead shoulder in follow-through
Physiotherapy Assessment for Golfers
A golf-specific physiotherapy assessment evaluates:
- Thoracic rotation (each direction independently)
- Hip internal and external rotation
- Shoulder mobility and rotator cuff strength
- Wrist and forearm flexibility and strength
- Core stability and trunk rotation power
- Balance and lower limb strength
These findings directly inform both the rehabilitation program and swing coaching recommendations.
Golf Injury Treatment at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
We treat golfers of all levels — from club golfers with persistent back pain to competitive players seeking injury prevention. Our assessments include swing mechanics review where relevant. Call (03) 9467 6900 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does golf cause low back pain?
The golf swing generates peak lumbar spinal compression forces several times bodyweight, combined with rapid rotation at impact. Most recreational golfers lack adequate thoracic rotation, compensating with excessive lumbar rotation — which is far more injury-prone. Improving thoracic rotation through physiotherapy directly reduces lumbar spine loading during the swing.
What is golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylalgia) involves the tendons of the wrist flexors at their attachment on the inside of the elbow. Despite the name, it is equally common in office workers and labourers. The golf swing impact creates significant compressive loads at the medial elbow of the trailing arm. Treatment involves progressive tendon loading, activity modification, and grip technique review.
What physical attributes are most important for golf?
Thoracic rotation range (essential for the backswing without excessive lumbar compensation), hip internal rotation (for the downswing and follow-through), gluteal and lower limb power (for ground force generation), core stability (for energy transfer through the kinetic chain), and shoulder external rotation (for the backswing position). A physiotherapist can assess all of these and design a golf-specific conditioning program.
How long does it take to recover from a golf injury?
Mild golf-related back pain typically settles within 2–4 weeks with physiotherapy and activity modification. Medial epicondylalgia can take 6–12 weeks. Wrist injuries vary depending on the structure involved. In all cases, addressing the swing mechanics that contributed to the injury is essential for preventing recurrence.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora