Summer is finally here, and many of you will be hitting the links. Before you hit too many strokes, we thought we would pass along some helpful tips. The driving range or the putting green may seem like the place to start, but you should consider the gym.

Golf injuries are common. Problem areas include the shoulder, low back, elbow and hand. Most injuries in golf involve overuse. Simply playing too much can be the cause of the problem, and if your biomechanics are off, you are even more vulnerable to injury.

Being fit is very important to injury free golfing. This includes flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Total fitness will combine to give you longer drives, more control and ultimately, a lower score.

FLEXIBILITY of almost every joint in your body is necessary for the proper mechanics of a golf swing. Therefore, stretching must be an integral part of your pre-game warm-up. If you are not playing at least every other day, you need to establish a daily stretching routine to maintain or increase your flexibility. An assessment by a physiotherapist or trainer will help you identify your tight areas, and teach you how to loosen them up safely.

STRENGTH will help you get that added distance to your strokes. A balance between your left and right sides needs to be maintained to prevent imbalance injuries. Equal effort needs to come from both sides of your body, with your legs powering the swing.

Due to the tendency to injury, the rotator cuff muscle must be strong. The subscapularis muscle in paticular has been shown to be the most active during the swing, and therefore worthy of individual attention. Strengthening of this muscle can be achieved by the following exercise:

* Using tubing, pull across body with arm relatively straight.

CARDIOVASCULAR fitness will help you through today's round of golf, and many, many more in the future. People with heart problems, or high blood pressure should consult with their doctor before taking up their clubs.

Getting started at any new sport should be done sensibly. If you have been off for the winter, begin with easy putting, then advance to chipping, and finally to driving. Use a tee when you are driving to prevent shock on your hands and arms. Placing your hands wider apart on the club will also help to reduce shock, if you are experiencing hand pain.

We suggest that you do not let little problems carry on. Get them looked at early by your doctor or physiotherapist, before they keep you off the course.

Finally, we wish you low scores and happy golfing. We hope you do not need our services, but if you do, we would be happy to help you get into your optimum condition.

THANKS!!!

We always like to be able to say thank-you to all of you for your referrals over the years. We continue to grow and it would not happen without your support. If there are any ways we can be of service to you, be sure to ask.

SPEAKERS
We are available and willing to speak on topics related to physiotherapy. If you have a function coming up and are in need of a speaker, there are many topics which we get very enthusiastic about. All you need to do is call us and we can work together to put on a fantastic talk.

OUR TEAM
Just to remind you, we are:
Paige Larson, Sports Physio
Denise Moreby, Reg Physio
Maria Morley, Reg Physio
Paul Hunter, Reg Physio
Sandra Sproule, Reg Physio
Lea Macdonald, Office Manager
Trudy Vajna, Receptionist
Leanne Lecky, Receptionist
Jen Kim, Receptionist

* For an illustrated copy, please call or email us.