Technology In Golf
and grip or swing changes also contribute to amateurs' injuries (6). In professionals, who play many hours a day on most days, overuse accounts for 80% of injuries, hitting a fat shot for 12%, and twisting the trunk during the swing for 5%. Professional golfers report no injuries due to poor swing mechanics, overswinging, poor warm-up, or grip or swing changes (6). Given these patterns of injury, primary care physicians will undoubtedly treat golfers who have injured their back, shoulders, elbows, hands, or wrists. Of course, the basic principles of injury prevention and treatment apply (rest, immobilization, ice and/or heat, anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], stretching, strengthening, proper warm-up, injections, and, if necessary, surgery), but the focus here is on treatment and prevention strategies related to the golf swing and equipment. Many of the injuries common in golfers are closely related to golf technique and equipment. Understanding the biomechanics of the swing and how technique and equipment affect the body can facilitate diagnosis, treatment, and injury prevention. Many books and magazines offer solutions to golfers' technical problems and related physical disorders, but a good teaching golf professional may be the most useful source of information for patients who have golf-related injuries. Clinicians should not hesitate to suggest that patients consult such professionals regarding technical and equipment issues related to these injuries.