PRACTICAL PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE GOLFER

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PRACTICAL PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE GOLFER

• DOES YOUR BODY FIT YOUR SWING PLANS?

Karen W. Stellick, PT Great Moves Physical
Therapy
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FUNCTION FOLLOWS FORM

• The height of ball flight (function) is directly
  related to the club loft (form) at impact. The
  function of ball flight follows the form of the
  club loft.
• The externally rotated position of the back
  shoulder at the top of the swing is directly
  related to the (form) scapular position and range
  of motion of the humeral head.
• You may not have a draw in your body!

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Quick Screen on the Range

• 1. Neck rotation Head turn to the right and
  left. Optimal 70 to 90 degrees without pain.
• 2. Wrist extension, radial deviation, pronation/
  supination Place in position with club in hand.
• 3. Torso rotation Separate the motions in
  sitting (45 degrees chest rot) and standing (45
  degrees hip IR) gets your back to the target.
• 4. Shoulder external rotation 90/90 against the
  wall and slide to side.
• 5. Balance Single leg stance eyes open/closed.
• 6. Posture Club along spine in standing and
  set-up.

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Neck Rotation

• Limited neck rotation may cause
• Shortened back swing
• Lifting out of back swing
• Side bending left excessively
• Bending the left elbow to achieve hand position.
• Taking the eyes off the ball
• Deceleration at impact

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Wrist extension/radial deviation

• Limitations may cause
• Decreased club head speed
• Casting the club
• Club pointing to sky in backswing
• Pain at transition or during downswing
• Substitution with flexion

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Torso rotation

• Chest rotation Seated with club across chest.
  Knees together during turn.
• Hip rotation Standing in set-up posture. Weight
  shift and turn stomach toward thigh. Buckle turn
  to 45 degrees.
• Limitations of one area or both will cause
  limited rotation, substitution or painful overuse
  of other areas (the low back or shoulder.)

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Shoulder external rotation

• Stand against the wall. Bring arm up at a 90/90
  angle with the wrist against the wall. Slide
  your arms down about one foot.
• Limitations may cause changes in backswing
  posture, casting, over the top swing, pain.

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BALANCE RULES

• Poor balance has probably the single biggest
  limiting affect on golfers.
• Limitations may cause
• Deceleration of the club before impact.
• Reverse pivot.
• Failure to finish swing with full weight shift.
• Inconsistency especially on uneven surfaces.

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KNOW YOUR LIMITS AND YOUR BODY

• Put the golfer in the position you hope to
  attain. Does it cause pain or discomfort?
• Is the golfer too restricted in motion to achieve
  their desired goals or level of performance?
• Should you see a physical therapist?