Golf Injury? Here’s What Your Swing Isn’t Telling You

You step up to the tee, line up your shot, and swing—then a sharp pain shoots through your shoulder, back, or elbow. It’s frustrating when something as simple as your golf game starts causing real discomfort.

A golf injury doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It often builds up over time, caused by mechanics, mobility issues, or even small muscle imbalances you don’t notice. Ignoring the warning signs can turn a minor strain into a major problem.

Does your lower back ache after every round? Do you feel a sharp twinge in your elbow mid-swing?

These signals mean your body is struggling to keep up with the demands of the game. Without the right care, your injury could worsen, keeping you off the course longer than you’d like.

Let’s break down what your body is trying to tell you—before a golf injury takes you out of the game.

12 Common Golf Injuries and How to Deal

Golf may seem like a low-impact sport, but the repetitive motion and rotational force of a golf swing can put serious strain on your body.

Many injuries happen because of poor form, overuse, or underlying muscle imbalances.

If you feel pain after a round, don’t ignore it. Treating golf-related injuries early can keep you on the course and prevent injuries from getting worse.

1- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow is one of the most common golf injuries, affecting the tendons on the inside of your elbow. This painful condition develops from repetitive motion and poor mechanics in your golf swing.

• You might notice pain near the elbow joint, especially when gripping a golf club.
• Stretching, strengthening your forearm muscles, and using anti-inflammatory medication can help.
• A physical therapist can guide you through proper exercises to treat golf-related injuries like this one.

2- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow and is another common elbow injury among golfers. The same motions that help you generate power in your swing can also damage tissue over time.

• You might feel pain when lifting golf balls, shaking hands, or even gripping a doorknob.
• Treatment options include physical therapy, wrist braces, and steroid injections if needed.
• Strengthening your elbow tendons can help prevent future injuries.

3- Wrist Injuries and Sprains

Wrist injuries are common in golf due to the force of impact when striking the ball, especially on the driving range or in wet conditions. A wrist sprain happens when ligaments stretch or tear.

• Sudden pain, swelling, or reduced grip strength are signs of a wrist injury.
• Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication can ease symptoms.
• Strength training for the wrist and forearm muscles can help prevent injuries.

At Auto-Ness Physical Therapy, we help golfers in Scripps Ranch recover, prevent injuries, and improve performance. Don’t let pain hold you back from playing your best.

Contact us today to request an appointment at (858) 324-5537

4- Shoulder Impingement

Your shoulder joint takes a lot of stress from the repeated motion of your swing. Shoulder impingement happens when the rotator cuff tendons get pinched under the shoulder blade.

• If you feel pain in your shoulder when lifting your arm, you might have impingement.
• Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles.
• Avoiding poor mechanics in your golf swing can reduce strain on the shoulder joint.

5- Rotator Cuff Injury

Rotator cuff tears and strains are among the most common golf injuries, especially in older golfers. The small muscles in your rotator cuff stabilize your shoulder joint, but repetitive motion can wear them down.

• Weakness, shoulder pain, and difficulty raising your arm could signal a rotator cuff injury.
• Many injuries can be treated non-surgically with rest, strengthening exercises, and sports medicine techniques.
• If you have a severe tear, surgery may be needed to repair the damaged tissue.

6- Back Injuries and Strains

Your spine absorbs a lot of force from the rotational force of your swing. Back injuries are some of the most golf-related injuries, especially in players with poor form.

• Lower back pain often results from overuse injuries and poor mechanics.
• Core strengthening, stretching, and improving your posture can reduce stress on your back.
• A physical therapist can help you correct your swing to prevent injuries.

7- Knee Injuries and Meniscus Tears

Knee injuries, including meniscus tears, happen when the twisting motion of your swing strains the knee joint.

• If you notice pain, swelling, or instability, a knee injury could be the cause.
• Treatment options range from physical therapy to anti-inflammatory medication.
• Strengthening the muscles around your knee can help prevent future injuries.

8- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common golf injury caused by repetitive motion and gripping a golf club too tightly. The condition affects the nerves in your wrist, leading to hand pain and numbness.

• You might feel tingling, weakness, or pain in your hands and fingers.
• Treatment options include wrist braces, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication.
• Adjusting your grip pressure and taking breaks can help prevent injuries.

9- Shoulder Pain from Rotational Stress

Golfers spend hours repeating the same motions, which can lead to persistent shoulder pain. The shoulder joint absorbs a lot of stress from swinging, leading to overuse injuries.

• If your shoulder aches after playing, it could signal an injury.
• Strengthening exercises and improving flexibility can help reduce strain.
• A physical therapist can assess your movement and recommend corrections.

10- Elbow Medial Epicondylitis

Elbow medial epicondylitis is a painful condition affecting the inside of the elbow, similar to golfer’s elbow. It develops from excessive strain on the elbow tendons.

• Pain increases with gripping and flexing the wrist.
• Treatment options include physical therapy, stretching, and sometimes steroid injections.
• Strengthening the forearm muscles can help prevent injuries.

11- Stress Fractures from Overuse

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in bones caused by repetitive motion and overuse. Most golf injuries of this type affect the ribs, spine, or lower legs.

• You may notice pain that worsens with activity but eases with rest.
• Rest and proper recovery time are essential to healing.
• Strength training and proper swing mechanics help prevent injuries.

12- Torn Ligaments and Damaged Tissue

Torn ligaments can happen from an awkward swing or sudden movements on the golf course. These injuries often affect the wrist, knee, or shoulder.

• If you experience sharp pain and swelling, a torn ligament might be the cause.
• Many injuries like this can be treated non-surgically with physical therapy and rest.
• Strengthening weak muscles and improving flexibility can help prevent injuries.

Preventing Common Golf Injuries

Most golf injuries result from repetitive motion, poor form, or overuse. Injury prevention starts with taking care of your body and making adjustments to your golf game.

• Warm up before playing to loosen your muscles and improve flexibility.
• Strengthen your core, shoulders, and legs to support your swing.
• Work with a physical therapist to improve your mechanics and prevent injuries.

If you’re dealing with a golf injury, don’t wait for it to get worse. The right treatment can help you heal, prevent future injuries, and keep you playing pain-free.

 

Auto-Ness Physical Therapy Is Here to Help You Prevent and Treat Golf Injury

At Auto-Ness Physical Therapy in Scripps Ranch, We Focus on Your Golf Health

If pain is keeping you from playing your best game, it’s time to take action. Many golfers push through discomfort, but untreated injuries can worsen over time.

Aches in your back, shoulders, or elbows are signs that something isn’t right.

At Auto-Ness Physical Therapy, we help you prevent and treat golf-related injuries through customized care. Whether you’re dealing with nagging pain or want to improve your swing mechanics, we create a plan designed for your body and your game.

Prevent Golf Injuries Before They Start

Many golf injuries stem from repetitive motion, poor mechanics, or underlying muscle imbalances. Injury prevention keeps you on the course longer and helps you avoid setbacks.

• We assess your movement patterns to identify risks before they become injuries.
• Strengthening weak muscles and improving flexibility can reduce strain on your joints.
• Correcting poor mechanics in your golf swing can prevent long-term damage.

Recover from Golf-Related Injuries Faster

If you already feel pain, addressing it early can speed up recovery. Many injuries, like golfer’s elbow or rotator cuff strains, respond well to targeted therapy.

• Hands-on treatment eases stiffness and restores mobility.
• Strength and stability exercises rebuild the muscles supporting your golf swing.
• A personalized rehab plan helps you return to the course stronger.

Improve Your Swing Mechanics for Long-Term Success

Your golf swing relies on flexibility, strength, and coordination. If one area is weak or restricted, your body compensates, increasing injury risk.

• We analyze your movement to find what’s limiting your performance.
• Adjusting how you move can ease strain on your shoulders, back, and elbows.
• A well-balanced body improves both power and control in your swing.

Ready to Get Back to Pain-Free Golf?

At Auto-Ness Physical Therapy, we help golfers in Scripps Ranch recover, prevent injuries, and improve performance. Don’t let pain hold you back from playing your best.

Contact us today to talk with a PT or request an appointment at (858) 324-5537