- Why Golfers Get Injured More Often Than They Expect
- How Sheddon Physiotherapy Can Support Your Golf Game
- Don’t Let Pain Sideline Your Summer
For many in Burlington, golf is more than just a summer hobby—it’s a cherished ritual. Whether you’re an early-morning regular at Tyandaga, a weekend warrior at Hidden Lake, or someone perfecting your swing at the local driving range, there’s something special about golf season in southern Ontario. The combination of lush fairways, perfect sunshine, and the calm of the course makes it one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities during the warmer months.
But behind the serene pace of golf lies a reality that’s often overlooked: it’s physically demanding. At Sheddon Physiotherapy Clinic in Aldershot, we routinely work with golfers who are surprised by how much of a toll the sport can take on their body—especially when they ramp up play quickly in early summer or resume after a long winter off.
While golf may not be as high-impact as contact sports, it involves a unique combination of complex movement patterns, repeated rotational forces, and long hours on your feet. Without proper preparation or body awareness, these physical demands can lead to discomfort and injury—both of which can disrupt your game and your summer.
Why Golfers Get Injured More Often Than They Expect
The golf swing is one of the most intricate and explosive movements in any sport. It relies on a chain of mobility and stability, starting from the feet and working up through the knees, hips, spine, shoulders, and wrists. If even one part of that chain is tight, weak, or moving inefficiently, it can throw off your swing—and over time, cause strain and pain.
One of the most common complaints we hear at Sheddon Physiotherapy is lower back pain. This often stems from limited core activation or poor mobility in the hips and thoracic spine (mid-back). Without these areas doing their job properly, the lumbar spine is forced to overcompensate during the rotation and extension phases of the swing, leading to discomfort or injury.
We also see a significant number of cases involving shoulder pain and rotator cuff strain. Golfers with restricted shoulder mobility or poor posture may develop impingement or irritation over time, especially if they’re playing frequently without recovery days. Even a slightly flawed swing or overuse from hitting too many balls at the range can lead to cumulative stress in the shoulder joint.
Another issue is golfer’s elbow, a condition caused by overloading the tendons on the inside of the elbow. This typically affects golfers who grip their clubs too tightly, play on hard or uneven ground, or increase the number of weekly rounds too quickly. It may start as mild stiffness but can progress to more persistent discomfort if not managed early.
Lastly, we treat many golfers with knee pain, particularly in the lead leg—the one that bears the brunt of the rotational force during the downswing. If there’s instability in the hips or ankles, or if the golfer has a history of knee issues, this added force can quickly lead to aggravation.
How Sheddon Physiotherapy Can Support Your Golf Game
At Sheddon Physiotherapy, we take a proactive and individualized approach to supporting golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a competitive player or someone who just enjoys the game with friends, your movement patterns and physical needs are unique—and your treatment should reflect that.
When golfers come to us with pain, we begin with a detailed assessment. We analyze your posture, mobility, joint function, strength, and core stability. We also examine swing mechanics and walking gait where appropriate. Often, seemingly minor limitations in mobility or alignment are what trigger recurring issues in other areas of the body.
Once we’ve identified the problem, we work with you to build a comprehensive plan. This may include manual therapy to reduce tension and restore joint range, as well as targeted exercises to strengthen underused muscles or improve flexibility. For example, many golfers benefit from exercises that improve rotational strength, glute activation, or shoulder blade control.
More importantly, we help you understand how to protect yourself while playing. You’ll leave with more than just exercises—you’ll have practical advice you can apply on the course. From warm-up routines to recovery tips, our goal is to make sure you can play regularly without setbacks.
We also offer golf-specific mobility screens, which are ideal before or during the season. These sessions are designed to identify areas that might be holding your swing back or increasing your injury risk—even if you aren’t in pain yet. A little prevention goes a long way in helping you play more rounds with less wear and tear.
Don’t Let Pain Sideline Your Summer
There’s no reason to let preventable pain interfere with your love of the game. The earlier you address mobility restrictions or movement issues, the better your performance—and your long-term health—will be.
Whether you’re hitting the course once a week or playing every day, Sheddon Physiotherapy Clinicn in Burlington’s Aldershot community is here to help. We understand the unique biomechanics of golf and how to support your goals, whether that’s playing pain-free or lowering your handicap.
This summer, let’s keep your swing strong and your body resilient. If you’re noticing discomfort or simply want to move better and feel stronger, book an appointment with us today. Our team is ready to help you enjoy a full season of golf with confidence, comfort, and improved performance.
