As golf is a sport that requires both strength and flexibility, any of your body’s physical limitations will negatively affect your golf swing and your game in general. The team at the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) encourages golf professionals to work alongside chiropractors and fitness trainers to detect and correct these limitations giving you the best chance of performing optimally on the course.

The team at Putney Chiropractic have been trained to assess the common physical restrictions that will limit your performance in a golf specific examination looking at things like torso and hip rotation, ankle flexion, core strength and shoulder flexibility. In particular Dr Craig McLean is a TPI certified golf fitness instructor and is connected with a team of like minded golf pros/coaches and trainers in the Putney/South West London area who can work together to improve your game.

 Common Physical restrictions and how they can affect your swing.

• Limited ankle dorsiflexion – early extension
• Limited shoulder flexibility – loss of posture
• Limited pelvic rotation – over the top, casting and scooping
• Restricted hip rotation – sway and slide
• Poor core strength – reverse spine angle

The above list is just a small list of common physical limitations and how they can impact on your swing. If you’re unfamiliar with these common swing issues, hook up with one of our local TPI golf professionals, get your swing analysed on video (or even better 3D motion analysis) and all will be revealed. Once the physical limitations have been detected then a program of work with us here at Putney Chiro together with some specific exercises with a trainer (or just at home or gym yourself) will have you freeing up movement and building strength daily.

The consultation and examination process
The format for a new client of Putney Chiropractic or someone who has not visited us for some time is as follows:

• A full health history is taken looking into the past and present issues that may be related to the problem you are presenting with.
• We perform numerous orthopaedic, neurological and chiropractic tests to obtain vital information about the function of your spine and nervous system. Included in this section are some golf specific tests – the results we can share with your golf pro.
• Digital x-rays are an amazing way to assess the areas of wear and tear or alignment challenges that your spine may possess. X-rays will show clearly if your spine has areas of arthritic change from old injuries or just excessive use. X-rays will be taken only if clinically indicated and will help you understand the cause of problem.

The report process
After your first visit your Chiropractor will correlate all the exam findings, including your digital X-rays, with the details of your health history and create a bespoke treatment program to suit your needs.

• We provide an individual written report with a copy of your digital X-rays provided on CD.
• Explain clearly and visually the findings from the tests and x-rays
• We will explain what is the problem, what it will take to correct the problem, how long it will take and costs involved.
• An individual plan is recommended and you decide what course of action best suits your needs.
• A re-examination date is set for the future to repeat the tests to show your progress objectively.
• Details of your golf pro will be taken and contact will be made explaining where the big problems lie and what we have planned to do about it.

Could chiropractic help me and my golf?
If you have any further queries regarding the practice, procedure, first visits or making a booking with us, please feel free to contact us and we can discuss any queries you may have. Give us a call on 020 8785 6144 and we will be happy to chat.