If you are a golfer dealing with pain, your first instinct is usually to look at your swing.
Maybe you have thought:
“Something in my swing must be off.”
And while your swing can absolutely contribute, in most cases it is not the full story. More often than not, your body is the limiting factor.
Understanding the Demands of the Golf Swing.
The golf swing is a high speed, rotational movement that places significant demand on your body.
To move efficiently, it requires adequate hip mobility, thoracic spine rotation, core stability, and coordination between the upper and lower body.
When these pieces are working together, the swing feels smooth and powerful. When they are not, your body finds another way to complete the movement, and that is when problems start. Research shows that the golf swing places significant stress on the lower back, particularly during rotation and follow through.
Why Golf Swings Start to Cause Pain
Limited Hip Mobility:
When your hips do not move well, your lower back compensates and absorbs more force.
Poor Thoracic Spine Mobility:
If your mid back is stiff, your swing becomes more arm driven and your lower back rotates more than it should.
Lack of Strength and Control:
You need strength in your core and glutes to control the swing. Without it, movement becomes inefficient.
Sudden Increase in Play:
Golfers often increase activity quickly in Seattle during spring and summer. Your body needs time to adapt.
Why Changing Your Swing Alone Does Not Fix the Problem
If your body cannot physically achieve the positions your swing requires, it will always compensate.
What Actually Works
Improving golf related pain requires improving mobility, building strength, understanding movement patterns, and gradually returning to play.
Real Patient Examples
John from Ballard – Low Back Pain:
John had low back pain for nearly an entire season. Despite swing changes, his pain continued. We found limited hip mobility and thoracic stiffness. After improving these and building core strength, he returned to full rounds pain free and with improved consistency.
Mike from Green Lake – Elbow Pain:
Mike had elbow pain that worsened during longer rounds. We identified limited shoulder mobility and trunk rotation. After addressing these and adjusting volume, his pain resolved and he returned to multiple rounds without flare ups.
Where to Start: Exercises
Thoracic Matrix
This movement improves thoracic mobility and helps reduce stress on the lower back.
MAPS Mobility Drill
This drill helps mobilize and activate your hips, core, and spine, preparing your body for the demands of a golf swing.
Final Thought
Your swing is only as good as your body allows it to be. Build a body that supports your swing.