Golf Season Is Back: Preventing Low Back and Elbow Pain in Edmonton Golfers

As golf courses across Edmonton reopen in April, many players are eager to get back on the course after months away from rotational sport.

However, early-season golf often brings a predictable pattern of injuries — particularly:

• Low back pain
• “Golfer’s elbow” (medial elbow pain)
• Shoulder stiffness
• Hip tightness
• Rib or thoracic discomfort

At Dr. Harman Braich, Chiropractor, operating out of Creekwood Physiotherapy, spring golf-related injuries are common — and in most cases, preventable.

This blog explains why golf injuries spike in early season, what research suggests about swing mechanics and load transfer, and how chiropractic care may help golfers improve resilience and performance.

Why Golf Injuries Are Common in Early Season

 

Golf may not look physically intense — but biomechanically, it is a high-speed rotational sport.

A full golf swing involves:

• Rapid trunk rotation
• Lumbar extension
• Force transfer from hips to torso to arms
• Repetitive asymmetric loading

Research suggests that the golf swing places significant compressive and shear forces on the lumbar spine (Lindsay & Horton, 2002).

After months of reduced rotational activity in winter, the sudden return to repeated swings can exceed tissue capacity.

Low Back Pain in Golfers

 

Low back pain is one of the most frequently reported injuries in golfers.

Research suggests that lumbar stress during the golf swing may be influenced by:

• Limited hip rotation
• Reduced thoracic mobility
• Poor load transfer sequencing
• Excessive lumbar extension during follow-through

(Lindsay & Horton, 2002; Gulgin et al., 2014)

If the hips and thoracic spine do not rotate efficiently, the lumbar spine may compensate.

This compensation is often subtle — until pain appears.

Medial Elbow Pain (“Golfer’s Elbow”)

 

Medial elbow pain often develops gradually from repetitive wrist flexion and forearm loading.

Research suggests that tendinopathy may be influenced by repetitive overload without adequate tissue adaptation (Cook & Purdam, 2009).

Early season golfers often:

• Increase range time suddenly
• Play multiple rounds quickly
• Grip tightly due to stiffness
• Lack forearm conditioning

This can contribute to irritation of the common flexor tendon.

The Role of Hip and Thoracic Mobility

 

Research in golf biomechanics suggests that efficient swing mechanics rely on proper separation between the hips and shoulders — often referred to as “X-factor” (Lindsay & Horton, 2002).

Limited hip internal rotation or thoracic rotation may increase rotational demand on the lumbar spine.

This is where movement assessment becomes important.

How Chiropractic Care May Help Golfers

 

At Dr. Harman Braich, Chiropractor, care for golfers focuses on:

• Mobility
• Load management
• Movement sequencing
• Tissue tolerance

Not simply pain relief.

1️. Restoring Hip and Thoracic Mobility

 

Restricted joints may alter swing mechanics.

Chiropractic adjustments may help restore motion.

Improved mobility in the hips and thoracic spine may reduce compensatory stress on the lumbar spine.

2️. Addressing Elbow and Forearm Load

 

For medial elbow pain, care may include:

• Soft-tissue therapy
• Progressive tendon loading
• Grip modification strategies
• Gradual return-to-swing planning

Through Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy patients may receive individualized strengthening programs to improve tissue tolerance.

Research suggests progressive loading programs may support tendon adaptation over time (Cook & Purdam, 2009).

3️. Improving Rotational Control

 

Rotational control drills may include:

• Anti-rotation trunk training
• Hip stability exercises
• Thoracic mobility drills
• Sequencing drills

The goal is not to change your swing — but to improve how your body tolerates it.

4️. Managing Persistent or Chronic Symptoms

 

In select cases:

• Shockwave Therapy may be considered for chronic elbow tendon pain
• Spinal Decompression Therapy may be considered for persistent lumbar discomfort
• Dry Needling & Acupuncture may help reduce muscle tone affecting swing mechanics
• Custom Foot Orthotics may be appropriate when lower-limb alignment influences load transfer

These are individualized decisions — not automatic interventions.

Why an Athletic Perspective Matters

 

As a former elite soccer player and captain of the University of Alberta Golden Bears,
Dr. Braich understands force transfer, rotational mechanics, and progressive loading.

Golf injuries are rarely about one “bad swing.”
They are usually about insufficient preparation for repeated rotational stress.

Practical Tips to Reduce Early Season Golf Injuries

 

• Warm up before hitting balls
• Avoid jumping from zero to full rounds
• Gradually increase range volume
• Maintain hip mobility during winter
• Strength train rotational patterns
• Address stiffness early

When to Seek Assessment

 

Consider booking an evaluation if you experience:

• Back pain during or after rounds
• Elbow pain that persists beyond 1–2 weeks
• Loss of swing rotation
• Recurrent stiffness limiting performance

Early assessment may help prevent small issues from becoming chronic limitations.

Localized Care for Southwest Edmonton Residents

 

At Dr. Harman Braich, Chiropractor, operating out of Creekwood Physiotherapy, we proudly serve:

• Creekwood Chappelle & Chappelle Gardens
• Ambleside, Keswick & Windermere
• Glenridding Heights & Glenridding Ravine
• Heritage Valley, Paisley, Desrochers & Jagare Ridge
• Rutherford, Callaghan, Allard, Cavanagh & Blackmud Creek
• Richford, Macewan & Blackburne

Play Strong This Golf Season

 

Golf should enhance your spring — not limit it.

Improving mobility, managing load progression, and addressing early symptoms may help you stay on the course and reduce time away from the game.

Visit braichchiro.com to book an appointment with Dr. Harman Braich, Chiropractor.

Research & References

 

• Lindsay DM, Horton JF. Comparison of spine motion in elite and amateur golfers. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2002.
• Gulgin HR, et al. Hip and trunk rotation and lumbar stress in golfers. Sports Biomechanics. 2014.
• Cook JL, Purdam CR. Is tendon pathology a continuum? British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2009.