Services & Techniques

When I first moved to Rapid City in 2008, I assumed I would treat lots and lots of football and hockey players.  While we see a significant number of these athletes, we treat by far more golfers.

It is amazing to me the passion some of these golfers have.  Any spare minute, they are grabbing a tee time.  The attention to detail makes the difference between an average player and a great player.  Here are two details to consider!

1. As a golfer, the swing is always the same direction.  Our bodies adapt. In order for our torso, hips, shoulders, etc. to twist in 1 direction, certain muscles need to fire in a specific pattern.  With time, these muscles will become stronger.  Their counter parts, which have less to do with the rotation, become stagnant.  This can lead to a musculoskeletal imbalance that sets the golfer (or bowler!) with chronic pain, ultimately resulting in a poorer golfing experience.  The solution?  Make a conscious effort to swing the club both directions!  Do this often and consistently!  Muscles on both sides of the spine need to work equally!

2. Golfers also need the right shoes.  Years ago in an internship, the doctor I was under was involved in research with custom orthotics.  One study showed an average increase in club head speed by 3-5mph. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10771501/) What they concluded was that the custom orthotics improved proprioception (balance) allowing the brain to have better control of the body, resulting in a more powerful swing.  Think of trying to stand on an exercise ball while you golf.  It would be very hard to not only have power in the swing, but also control.  If we are grounded and the brain feels secure, the muscles can respond more accurately.  In fact, regardless of the sport, most professionals see a chiropractor on a regular basis just for this reason!