If you’re looking to improve your swing it’s not just about getting lessons or spending time on the range – it’s about staying in shape too. We’ve teamed up with Mike Murray of MM Physio to take a look at some of the sequenced movement patterns that are needed in a golf swing. A combination of strength and conditioning, as well as low threshold stability and mobility work, is key to creating a successful repeatable pattern in your golf swing.
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Why Would Golfers Benefit From Physiotherapy?
Untrue to comment belief seeing a physio doesn’t have to be as a result of an injury or problem. Seeing a physio is actually quite the opposite, their job is to help golfers of all ages and abilities reduce the risk of injury, improve flexibility, create a greater range of motion, build core muscles as well as building strength.
A physio can work with a PT or S&C (strength and conditioning) coach to identify your areas of weakness both in and out of the golfer swing. All of these factors can ultimately lead to enhancing your golf performance.
Physio for Golfers: Mike Murray Sequence Movement Patterns
Mike Murray a chartered physiotherapist has created a series of short instruction videos showing golfers a range of different movement patterns that can benefit their golf game. These movements are designed to work on areas of the body that the golf swing involves most as well as preventing golf related injuries.
These movements can be done away from the golf course in the comfort of your home.
Episode 1: Improving stability
First up two exercises to work on stability in golf posture. The hip external rotation with heel raise is great for activating the pelvis while maintaining a good upper body posterior chain. While the sumo squat is good to develop the feeling of a neutral spin while overloading the hips and pelvis.
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Try out these exercises and see how it isolates those key areas you need as a minimum base to have a repeatable swing pattern. Have a go at three sets of 10 reps for each exercise.
Episode 2: Mobility is key
Improving mobility will help you repeat and maintain an efficient and consistent golf swing. Great stability and power is built on an efficient and mobile base.
Here Mike is showing you some basic mobility moves you can do with just a golf club. Most golfers struggle with restrictions in their shoulder girdle, thoracic spine and lower back.
Have a go at three sets of 10 reps for each exercise.
Episode 3: Disassociation
In this episode Mike is talking about disassociation which is the separating of movement of the upper and lower body. Understanding that your body connection is what allows you to repeat a biomechanical pattern is essential.
Performing efficient functional patterns of movement such as these will condition your body to allow it to adapt to what your swing goals are. Have a go at three sets of 10 reps for each exercise.
Episode 4: Manual Manipulation
And finally, after barely leaving our house for weeks, I think we all feel like we need this right now…
About Mike Murray
Mike Murray is a chartered physiotherapist specialising in golf specific screening, conditioning, and treatment programming. His expertise from a background in professional football and working with tour golf professionals provides an opportunity for his clients to achieve their bodies’ maximum potential via his tailored approach. You can follow him on Instagram, Facebook, or visit the MM Physio website.
- Click here for more golf fitness tips from NCG
Conclusion
Physical therapy for golfers can massively help with swing mechanics. Strengthening exercises not only improve your physical fitness to get you around the golf course but it can improve your golf swing when teamed with mobility work.
Physio isn’t just for a certain age or handicap range and can benefit you in everyday life too. After all, what’s the harm in giving it a go?
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