ptspin
By Carrie and Scott Higgs
Avoid Asymmetry
While we love that
people of all ages use
golf for exercise, if golfers
are not taking care of the
other side of their bodies,
this can lead to problems.
–Scott Higgs, Physical Therapist
Carrie Higgs, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Golf can be played over the course of
decades and, in many cases, for an entire
lifetime. This could take a toll on the body,
and golfers should understand, like other
athletes who may be younger and stronger,
they must take care of their bodies.
Ponchatoula Therapy’s Scott Higgs
says that golf actually can be considered
a physically aggressive form of exercise,
and it can easily introduce an issue called
asymmetry. Asymmetry in golfers occurs
when there is repetitive motion on one side
of the body and the other side is neglected,
such is the case in the golf swing.
“Oftentimes, especially in older golfers,
their golf game is the only exercise they
get,” Higgs said. “While we love that
people of all ages use golf for exercise, if
golfers are not taking care of the other side
of their bodies, this can lead to problems.”
Higgs suggests making the opposite-
hand swing a part of the warmup. While
golfers go to the range and warm up their
bodies, they are often just pounding one
ball after the other with their dominant
side, and Higgs says that simply making
several swings with the opposite side can
take care of the problem just that easily.
Higgs said suggestions for fitness are
becoming the norm for golfers. “There is
a reason why golfers are in so much better
shape in recent years,” he said. “They are
Scott Higgs, MPT
Physical Therapist
participating in weight training, flexibility
exercise, cardio workouts and exercising
with the other sides of their bodies. You
don’t want to overstrengthen one side and
ignore the other.”
The same thing happens in other
sports with younger athletes. There is
overdevelopment of muscles, and the back
and hips, primarily, can suffer. “We see it
in younger athletes such as triple jumpers,
hurdlers and baseball players. Ignoring the
opposite side of the body can lead to long-
term pain.”
Carrie’s tips to avoiding asymmetry:
1
Golfers should have a basic
strength and fitness routine.
Even 20 minutes two to three
times per week can make a
huge different.
Swing the club with the opposite
side during warmup – several
times. Make sure your muscles
are warm and are being strength-
ened for the upcoming exercise as
much as the dominant side.
2
3
The warm-up round should last
8-10 minutes. All athletes par-
ticipate in warmups, and golfers
should too. But this is in addition
to a workout routine.
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