Secret Golf Tip Only the Pros Know!

Golf is no doubt one of the best games in the world. However, playing the game can be frustrating at times. If you feel the same as I do about the game, what could be even more frustrating is not knowing why you’re not reaching your full potential?

Regular golfers are consistently trying to improve their score. Whether it’s improving their swing or the distance of their drives. Golfers can find it hard to perform at their highest level. When their body is not functioning at its optimal level and what’s concerning is that they don’t even know it!

Common physical restrictions that can affect your swing:

·         Limited shoulder flexibility – Due to loss of posture

·         Restricted hip rotation – Causing you to sway and slide

·         Pore core strength –Due to a reverse spine angle due to restricted thoracic (mid back) movement.

·         Limited ankle dorsiflexion- Causing early extension

Players may not even know that there are limitations in their swing. This will cause their swing to be not  as effective during play. Despite how much practice time at the driving range and putting green.

Pain also affects swing and should avoid the following:

·         Bend at the knees(squat) when retrieving the ball

·         Slow down your backswing. This will minimize rotational stress on the lower back at the top of the backswing

·         When lifting your golf bag use proper mechanics when lifting bag.

·         Consider putting with a longer shaft

·         Make sure that your weight is properly shifted to the right foot during the back swing, arms and shoulders are kept within the plane of the swing at the top of the back swing

·         Make sure that your shoulder and hip turn stays centre while pivoting on the backswing.

How can wear and tear, whether it’s from Golf or other sports causing pain be diminished and stopped from returning?

The pros secret tip is…….Chiropractic!

This is what Venus Williams had to say about chiropractic treatment:

“Chiropractic gives me the flexibility I need to keep in the game”

This is what Tiger Woods had to say about chiropractic treatment:

“Being a Chiropractic patient on a regular bases has made me a better golfer. I’ve been going to Chiropractors for as long as I can remember. It’s as important to my training as my practice swing.”

So, what does Chiropractic do to improve our game?

Chiropractors focus on the spine and nervous system, making it easier to twist, move and perform at your optimal level. After Chiropractic care you are more flexible, pain free, and may see an instant improvement in your swing!

Pros such as Rory Mcilroy and Tiger Woods have regular Chiropractic treatment to keep them performing at their best. Getting regular adjustments. Keep muscles balanced, our nervous system functioning, and maintain proper biomechanical structure. Which gets athletes functioning at an optimal level and gets them to the next level.

Nike has published a video involving Rory Mcilroy daily workout regiment, and most importantly Rory receiving Chiropractic care (adjustments) at 0.33 and 0.43 part of the video. Check it out below!

https://youtu.be/cM1z4e8GD74

Craniosacral Therapy: The In's and Out's

How does CranioSacral Therapy work?
CranioSacral Therapy works by helping the body’s natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system. This is accomplished by utilizing a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which maintains the environment in which the central nervous system functions.  The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the cranium (head) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities. For example, if the bite (or jaw) is out of balance, the whole head is out of balance, and often the whole body.

How can something so gentle be so powerful?
The craniosacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body, just like the pulse. I use a very light touch to monitor this rhythm from head to feet to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. I can then encourage the natural movement of the fluid and soft tissues to help the body self-correct. This simple action is often all it takes to remove a restriction. Sometimes, like peeling layers of an onion, once some restrictions have released and balanced, others may show themselves and need attention.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Treatment for Tendinitis/ Tendinosis

Last blog we discussed the differences between tendinitis and tendinosis, now we will discuss treatments. By the time you feel pain from tendinosis, your injury has been gradually building for many weeks or months. Remember that tendons heal slowly, due to limited blood supply. You will probably need to wait several months before a reasonable amount of repair has occurred, so have patience with this slow healing process. While both conditions are classically treated with conservative measures, the difference in care is absolutely critical to resolution of the problem. Conservative management stems around rest and anti-inflammatory medication for tendinitis, while conservative management of tendinosis aims to restore tendon regrowth and strength through manual therapy and eccentric exercise.

You'll need to avoid activities that cause pain, which can be a problem when some of those activities involve your work. Keep doing the normal daily activities that don't cause you pain. Treatment for tendinitis can be simply RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) to reduce inflammation and allow healing.

Braces are often used for the wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle. Some people find that braces can add stability and support during activity. Braces should not be worn all the time because you can lose strength and flexibility, but they can be helpful if worn part-time. This can be done for work or at night with wrist braces for carpal tunnel symptoms.

Stretching and strengthening with emphasis on eccentric exercise is especially helpful for tendinosis. Muscle is forced to lengthen while it contracts because it is being used as a brake or to absorb energy while doing "negative work." On the other hand, concentric exercise is when a muscle shortens as it contracts because it is acting as an engine doing "positive work." 

Correcting ergonomic problems can be very helpful in healing workplace tendinosis. Some foods and supplements, such as ginger and turmeric, can help reduce inflammation. 

 Your best bet is to maintain a healthy weight and eat a plant-based diet with plenty of antioxidant-rich whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and grains, while eating minimal amounts of trans-fats, saturated fats, and simple carbohydrates.

Traditional treatments involve use of anti-inflammatories, corticosteroid injections, and/or pain medication for the treatment of tendonitis. It has been proven that these can actually further the degeneration of tendons and increase the risk of recurrence of the condition as well as increase the risk of tendon rupture. That being said, corticosteroid injections and anti-inflammatory medications have been shown to be effective in short term pain reduction for tendinitis.

Soft tissue mobilization can speed healing, restore proper collagen synthesis, strength and function. Chiropractic helps by aligning joints properly around the problem area which puts less stress on tendons. You then can break down the adhesions / restrictions and allows the tendons to heal properly. After an injury the body makes scar tissue to heal the area quickly but this must be broken down to allow proper healing of the tendon. If this is not done, tendons can weaken and rupture. I utilize soft tissue techniques such as Graston and ART and ultrasound therapy. These help breakdown adhesions/ scar tissue and stimulates collagen synthesis to heal tendinosis. If you or a loved one is having these problems call to book an appointment to get on the road to recovery. 

Dr. Stephen Kelly practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta. 403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.