Strengthen Your Back for the Golf Course

The Golf Course Beckons!!
Finally, we are experiencing some cooler temperatures and the kind of weather that is the envy of most of the nation at this time of year. coral ridge golf clubIt is the perfect time to get out for a round of golf, unless you suffer from back aches and pains. According to the Golf Health Study conducted by Golf Digest, the most common health problem for golfers is back injury or pain.
The good news is that most of us can not only overcome this problem, but can dramatically improve our golf game in the process!

The most effective treatment for nearly 98% of chronic back pain sufferers (golfers and non golfers alike) is a specific exercise regimen that strengthens and builds endurance of the core muscles and the deep muscles that support and stabilize the spine, as well as a simple stretching routine to improve flexibility.golf swing 1 Typical results for golfers who participated in this type of program included:
~~Golfers who previously had back aches or pain while on the course were able to play pain free or nearly pain free for a complete round.
~~Golfers who were cautious in swinging the club for fear of injury could swing the club more naturally.
~~Club head speed increased 5+ mph which translated into increased driving power and longer distances.
~~Dramatically improved hip flexion, hip extension and torso rotation resulted in improved swing mechanics for more accurate shots.
~~Because they had eliminated or greatly alleviated their pain, golfers were able to play more often, and everyone knows "practice makes perfect!"

Back to Health is an orthopedic physical therapy clinic that works with all types of orthopedic and sports injuries, but specializes in chronic back and neck pain. This year we are pleased to be a sponsor of the Winterfest Golf Tournament. For all questions about this article you can send an email through our website at www.backtohealthpt.com.
"Thank you Back to Health. From thinking I'd never play golf again to being back on the course better than ever! Your back and maintenance program has provided me with the tools for a healthy lifestyle. And the staff from therapists to administrative is the best!"
Gary Axelrod
Director of Golf
Boca Woods Country Club

Massage Therapy
Learn about Nadia Turner, our massage therapist. Watch the movie to the right, and don't hold back. Call us at 954-565-0075 for some stress relief! Learn more about her at on our Neighborhood News page

Got Posture?

Got Posture?: Many, if not most, orthopedic ailments can be related to posture. Poor posture does not happen overnight; rather it progresses from a younger person not taking the time to sit or stand up straight, which leads to poor muscle control, and strength. The muscles that flex us forward become tight and short and the muscles intended to keep us upright become long and weak. This can be more pronounced in individuals with a scoliosis (abnormal spinal curvature) making the need for good posture even more critical. Poor posture not only leads to orthopedic aches and pains, especially in the back and neck, the muscle weakness and imbalance, it can also greatly increase our risk of falling. Since most of us are slaves to our computers at work, or even at home, sitting posture is of utmost importance. Slouching -- I call it collapsing - is BAD! Often, especially if we are older, our body tells us this through aches and pains. If we heed the warning, this is where pain is a good thing. If we do not, a trip to the doctor or physical therapist, or even the emergency room is in your future. The following are a few posture tips that you are probably familiar with, but it never hurts to see them again and hopefully, at one point you will pick up on something you find helpful: Position the monitor 20-24 inches from your eyes to avoid eye strain. Obtain a good chair, preferably on e with an adjustable seat that provides lumbar support Sit tall but relaxed. Type with your hands parallel to the keyboard. Use a small pillow or rolled up towel if you need additional lumbar support. Rest your feet flat on the floor. if they are not and everything else is positioned properly,.. Elevate them using a small box or footrest so that your knees are a little higher than yoru hips -- this takes strain off of your lower back. For more information check out our website: www.backtohealthpt.com or email Darlene Wooldridge, P.T. or Vanessa Jagusztyn, D.P.T. at www.backtohealthpt.com/contact_us.html

Darlene's Posture "Trick"

Darlene's Posture Trick: My most useful tip for good sitting posture is my car "trick". Get in your car, set the seat a comfortable distance from the wheel and then sit up tall and relaxed. Remember, good posture starts in your belly area so pull in your stomach. Also, if your shoulders had eyes, they should be looking at the roof with shoulder blades down, flat against your back. Finally, pull your chin back toward your cervical spine. NOW, set your rear view mirror. Later, if you find that you can't see out the mirror, DO NOT TOUCH IT; instead, sit up strait!!

Sincerely, Darlene Wooldridge, PT Back To Health Physical Therapy, LLC 954-565-0075 backtohealthpt@comcast.net www.backtohealthpt.com