From shoulder strain to lower back pain, golf injuries are often caused by repetition, but with the right preparation and care, you can stay on the course and play your best all season
There’s nothing quite like golf season in Colorado—early tee times, mountain air, and long afternoons chasing consistency. But for many golfers, especially as the season ramps up, one thing can quietly creep into the game: pain.
According to specialists at Orthopedic Centers of Colorado, most golf-related injuries aren’t the result of a single bad swing—they’re the product of repetition.
“Most golf injuries are soft tissue,” says Dr. Cary Motz, a sports medicine specialist and avid golfer. “We commonly see issues in the shoulder, elbow, and lower back—things like rotator cuff irritation, biceps or labral problems, and flare-ups of AC joint arthritis.”
These overuse injuries tend to build gradually, especially in golfers who play frequently without giving their bodies time to recover. The rotational demands of the swing—combined with limited flexibility—can place added strain on muscles and joints over time.
Why Golfers Get Hurt
For many golfers, the issue isn’t just how often they play—it’s how their body moves while doing it.
The modern golf swing demands a combination of flexibility, rotation, and control. The lower back absorbs rotational force and torque with every swing, making it especially vulnerable to strain and disc-related issues. Meanwhile, the shoulder—particularly the lead shoulder—endures repetitive stress that can lead to conditions like rotator cuff irritation or labral injury.
Additionally, “As we get older, we lose flexibility,” Dr. Motz explains. “That lack of mobility can shift stress to areas like the shoulder and spine, increasing the risk of injury.” For most recreational players, it’s a combination of repetition, reduced flexibility, and lack of proper warm-up that leads to trouble.
The Key to Staying on the Course
The good news is that most golf-related injuries are highly manageable—and often don’t require surgery.
“Unless there’s a specific traumatic event, these are typically overuse injuries,” says Dr. Motz. “With the right approach, we can usually get patients through the season.”
Initial treatment often includes:
- Rest and anti-inflammatory strategies
- Physical therapy to restore strength and mobility
- Targeted injections, such as corticosteroids, when needed
The key is addressing symptoms early—before they start affecting your swing mechanics or limiting your time on the course.
Play Without Limits
One of the simplest ways to reduce injury risk during the season is also one of the most overlooked: warming up.
“Before you hit balls or step onto the course, take time to stretch,” Dr. Motz advises. “Focus on the shoulders, hips, and lower back. It can make a significant difference in preventing injury.”
Golf is meant to be played, not endured. With the right preparation—and the right care when needed—you can stay consistent, competitive, and most importantly, pain-free all season long.
Learn more about golf-related injuries and find a specialist: https://occ-ortho.com/conditions/sports-medicine-cat/
