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- A common cause of golfer’s hip pain is swinging the golf club repeatedly puts excessive pressure on the hip joint and nearby muscles, which might cause hip discomfort.
- Pain may be aggravated if the swing is not performed properly or smoothly.
- There are a variety of reasons why golfers experience hip pain, most of which are related to other areas of the body- with many underlying/preexisting conditions aggravated by improper golf mechanics
- (Here’s a great resource on understanding golf hip pain mechanics)
- Determining the cause of the pain is the first step in resolving it
- Once the source of the pain is known, treatment is simple and effective
- Preventing future pain can be done by addressing the source of the issue and taking preventive measures
My wife has been dealing with hip pain for years. She used to play golf all the time, and the pain would get so bad sometimes that she couldn’t even finish her rounds.
We tried every possible solution we could think of- from massage to physical therapy to acupuncture- but nothing really worked.
Then she started Pilates, and within a few months, her pain had disappeared altogether!
Pilates helped make profound changes in her body movements and mechanics, noticed increased strength, flexibility, and range of motion in her hips, which helped take the strain off of her joints and allow her to move more freely.
The best part is, she’s been pain-free for over a year now and can finally enjoy playing golf again without having to worry about hip pain! She’s very happy with her Pilates instructor and would definitely recommend him to anyone who’s looking for relief from hip pain.
If you’re a golfer, you know that the sport can be tough on your body.
From swinging the club to walking the course, golf puts a lot of stress on your muscles and joints.
Some people have reported feeling pain in their shoulders, neck, and back after playing golf, even golfing knee pain! Beginners may also experience pain in their wrists, elbows, and hips. So, can golf cause hip pain?
The Most Common Golfer Hip Problems
- Muscle strain
- Osteoarthritis (degenerative)
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
More Serious Hip Problems
- Stress fracture
- Hip impingement
- Labral tear
- Loose body (bone or cartilage in the joint)
Can Golf Cause Hip Pain?
While golf is generally considered a low-impact activity, it can still cause pain in your hips if you’re not careful. There are a few things that could be causing your hip pain after golfing.
1) Pre-Existing Hip Conditions
If you have a pre-existing condition like arthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis, golfing can aggravate your symptoms and cause pain. This is especially true if you swing the club incorrectly or put too much pressure on your hips when walking the course. If you have a pre-existing hip condition, it’s important to warm up before playing and to take breaks often. You may also want to consider using a golf cart to minimize the amount of walking you do.
Sciatic hip pain is a common ailment that can be aggravated by playing golf. The condition is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg. This pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, poor posture, and repetitive motions like swinging a golf club.
If you are experiencing sciatic hip pain, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort. First, try taking breaks often to stretch your hips and back. Second, make sure you are using proper form when swinging a golf club. And finally, if the pain is severe or persists for more than a few days, consult with a doctor. With proper treatment, sciatic hip pain does not have to put a damper on your game.
2) Poor Swing Mechanics
If you don’t swing the club correctly, it can put unnecessary stress on your hips. This is often the case with beginners still getting the hang of the game. If you’re not sure how to swing the club correctly, seek out a golf lesson or two from a professional. Once you learn the proper technique, you’ll be less likely to experience pain in your hips.
3) Walking the Course
Walking the golf course can be tough on your hips, especially if carrying a heavy bag. If you can, use a golf cart to minimize the amount of walking you do. If you have to walk, take breaks often and distribute the weight evenly between both sides.
4) Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Surprisingly, the shoes you wear while golfing can also affect your hips. If you’re wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or that don’t provide enough support, you may be more likely to experience pain in your hips. Be sure to buy golf shoes that fit well and offer support.
Golf Hip Pain Treatment Options
While it’s not typically considered a “dangerous” condition, hip pain can be extremely debilitating – making it hard to walk, sit, stand, or sleep comfortably. If you experience hip pain after golfing, you can do a few things to find relief.
1) Rest
Rest is always the best medicine for pain. If you can, take a few days off from golfing to give your hips a chance to recover. During this time, you may also want to apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time.
2) Stretch and Strengthen
Stretching and strengthening the muscles around your hips can also help to relieve pain. There are several different stretches and exercises you can do to target the area. If you’re not sure where to start, consult a physical therapist or your doctor.
3) Consider Physical Therapy
If your hip pain is severe or doesn’t go away with rest and home treatment, you may consider seeing a physical therapist. A physical therapist can help stretch and strengthen the muscles around your hip and provide other treatments like massage and heat therapy.
4) Use Pain Relief Cream
There are several pain relief creams on the market that can help to relieve hip pain. These creams typically contain menthol or capsaicin, which can help soothe pain and inflammation. Be sure to apply the cream according to the package directions.
5) Take Anti-Inflammatory Medications
If over-the-counter pain relief creams don’t work, you may want to try taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Just be sure to take them as directed by your doctor.
6) Try Pilates
Pilates is a great way to relieve golf hip pain and improve your game. It is a low-impact exercise that focuses on strengthening the core muscles. This can help improve your posture and reduce the risk of injury.
Pilates is also a great way to increase flexibility and improve your balance. If you are experiencing hip pain while playing golf, consider adding Pilates to your regular routine. You may be surprised how much it can help improve your game.
The great thing about Pilates is that it can be done at home with little to no equipment. There are also many classes available if you prefer to workout in a group setting.
When you use Pilates equipment like the Reformer, you can get an even more targeted workout. However, Pilates is still effective when done without any equipment. If you are looking for a way to ease your golf hip pain, give Pilates a try. You may be surprised at how much it can help.
Conclusion
Hip pain after golfing is fairly common, but it doesn’t have to be a part of the game. Taking some simple precautions and knowing what to do if you experience pain can help keep your hips healthy and pain-free. If the pain doesn’t go away with home treatment, be sure to see your doctor or a physical therapist for further evaluation and treatment.
Hi, my name is Vince Richmond and I am the owner of earlygolfer.com. This blog is all about golfing, from tips and tricks to equipment reviews and everything in between. I have been golfing for over 20 years now and love the sport more than ever. I am always looking to improve my game and help others do the same. When I’m not golfing, I can be found spending time with my wife and two kids or playing some other sport (I’m a bit of a sports junkie). Thanks for reading and be sure to check out earlygolfer.com for all your golfing needs!