The article below was written by Rachael Tibbs of National Club Golfer.
Sports massage therapy can offer many benefits to golfers during the season. With the increased amount of play and competition, this can take its toll on your body and muscles.
Muscle aches and pains can develop through the season, which can lead to inhibited movement and disrupt the flow of your golf swing.
Playing golf in pain or fear of injury can reduce performance and negatively impact your enjoyment of the game. In the event of severe pain during and after a round, this can stop you from playing.
Here I highlight some of the key benefits of sports massage to you and your golf.
1. Improve range of motion and flexibility
Repetitive strain, poor posture and body mechanics are common problems for all athletes; including and most commonly in amateur golfers. Trigger points (taut bands of tissue in muscles) can develop due to these problems and can further reduce movement and flexibility; as well as cause tenderness and pain. Massage can help to deactivate these trigger points and allow for more movement and flexibility about the muscle. Resulting in increased range of motion and flexibility; in the back, shoulder and hips which is important for a powerful and efficient golf swing.
2. Reduce potential injury prevention and pain
An increase in muscle tenseness can come from repetitive strain through physical activity and limitations in movement. Amateur golfers are less efficient in their movement patterns which contributes to a more efficient, repetitive and consistent golf swing. It is therefore more obvious that amateur golfers are prone to specific injuries pertaining to golf; such as lower back and shoulder.
With movement limitations comes the increase of strain on specific body areas that pick up the work not being carried out by immobile joints. This creates more tension that builds up and can result in further reduction in movement, increased tension and pain; and potential injury.
Sports massage helps to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which plays a significant role in regulating pain responses and potentially reducing pain levels. Massage also creates relaxation of the body and can help to reduce tension in the muscle which helps to alleviate pain and other symptoms, which can lead to increased performance and enjoyment of the game.
3. Improve recovery time
Golf can be hard on the body, especially when you’re playing a lot with little time between rounds to recover. Recovery massages are a great way to help the body repair and recover from a succession of strenuous rounds or multi-round competition.
A recovery massage aims to improve circulation and promote muscular and general relaxation. This can help to get your body feeling back to its best so you are fresh and swinging free before your next round or competition.
4. Stress reduction and increased mental alertness
As well as physiological changes, sports massage can produce many psychological benefits to athletes and golfers. Massage interplays with the body and mind and relaxation of the body reduces stress levels as per the parasympathetic nervous system. This can allow for reduction of stress which then promotes better focus and concentration. Massage can help with better mental clarity and decision making on the golf course. Helping you to have a more positive reaction to poor shots and performance, remaining calm in pressurised situations and better shot decision making. All these factors can contribute to better on course performance and lower scores.
How often should I have a sports massage?
Initially if you are experiencing tension or pain in a specific area, depending on the tension in the muscles and connective tissues it may take a course of sessions over a period of weeks / months to alleviate the symptoms.
However once specific areas have been addressed it is encouraged to enter into a maintenance programme. This can be performed every 4-8 weeks depending on other factors to ensure that tension doesn’t build up and previous symptoms do not increase to a state of debilitation. A regular sports massage can help to ensure that you continue to feel and perform at your best.
If you believe your body and golf can benefit from sports massage then seek your local sports massage therapist.
