The Hips/Low Back Connection
A lack of hip mobility is a common cause of low back pain and stiffness for golfers. Good hip mobility allows the pelvis to properly rotate in the swing and promotes efficient power transfer throughout the body.
Stable Joints vs. Mobile Joints
All of the body’s joints play the role of mobile or stable. The hips are an example of a joint that should be mobile and the low back (lumbar spine) stable. When a mobile joint stiffens up, it causes the stable joint above or below it to become excessively mobile. This is extraordinarily prevalent in golf and a common cause of pain and performance issues.
Poor rotational mobility in the hips may lead to excessive lower back motion throughout the swing. As a result, the core is unlikely to absorb and transfer energy which puts excessive stress on the lower back.
Treat Your Hips
Golfers with low back issues should treat their hips just as much, if not more, than the low back itself. If you suffer from general low back pain and stiffness, try out the following exercises:
Pro Tips:
– Focus on deep breaths. This will help decrease muscle tension faster.
– Be patient. Sustain pressure until tenderness decreases.
Pro Tips:
– Once again, be patient. This is an example of a static stretch. When performing a static stretch, the stretch should be held for a minimum of 60 seconds.
– Hold the stretch until significantly decreases.
If you try these exercises and you find them to be too challenging or uncomfortable, do not continue, until you have consulted with your physician. All exercises for golf should be customized to your needs after a proper evaluation.
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Thank you for this email This is exactly my problem and cant get over it At age 71 who has played golf
for 50 plus yrs I have been pain free until recently Looking forward to addl info
Hank,
So glad our information helped. If you have any questions please call us at 610-940-3835
Dave