Osteopathy and Golf
24 July 2025
This is not a blog about how to play golf – I am not the person to advise you there. This is, however, a blog about getting the best out of your body when it comes to playing golf, as well as minimising injury risk.
Over my years as an Osteopath (and I do cherish all 16 years to date!) I have seen a range of golf injuries, ranging from minor to fairly significant.
I have seen in clinic injury onsets involving runaway golf trollies, golf balls in bunkers and bushes, patients hurting themselves simply getting their clubs out of the car, I could go on - including one patient who was hit on the head with a golf ball.
Golf serves many purposes; there are the obvious physical benefits, including walking, balance, strength, and coordination, among others.
However, equally important are the social benefits. In times where isolation and loneliness are at an alarming rate, it is key that golfers remain able to enjoy the game for as long as they wish to, as well as that all-important clubhouse.
So, I am on a mission to keep golfers golfing for as long as possible! Top tips include:
Make sure to warm up before playing!
Hands up – how many of you golfers get to the course, park up, collect your clubs and tee off? Where was your warm-up? If your body is showing up, the best clubs in the world won't help that! Here is a free warm-up for you to consider:
Make sure to stretch after playing!
Just as a warm-up is key, so is a stretch down afterwards. I have your back here, too!
Playing in glorious weather? Please wear sunscreen, a hat and stay hydrated during your game. I have seen a lot of solar keratosis over the years. For more information on exercising in the heat, please visit my blog on this https://kibworthosteopaths.co.uk/blog/exercising-in-hot-weather/
If you are aware you are carrying an injury, golf-induced or not, get it checked out and treated by a qualified medical professional. Is there any benefit in pushing through regardless? This is only likely to make things worse.
Sometimes, adaptation is what is right for your body; playing 18 holes instead of 9, for example, could be the difference between leaving the course feeling physically okay and having to leave early or in a fair amount of pain.
I know that it can be a tough decision for some players, as it involves accepting a reduction in physical ability. The only thing I can say here is to not compete with your younger self, and to enjoy and celebrate what you can still do.
As always, I hope this is helpful and useful. It is a great pleasure to support my community.
Wishing you a happy, healthy day!
Emily, Kibworth Osteopaths