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Fitness Challenge, Week 7: Back in Business
John Steinbreder, GolfersMD News
Jun 21, 2010


Perhaps no part of the human body is more commonly associated with pain and problems for golfers than the lower back. And understandably so, because the golf swing puts enormous stress on that area with excessive and repetitive rotational movements.

Herniated discs frequently crop up in golfers, and so do muscle spasms and strains. But there are ways to head off those sorts of lower back issues through basic exercises that strengthen the all-important trunk muscles – and allow players to relieve some of the strain they have been putting there.

“The best way to dampen excessive rotational forces during the golf swing is to strengthen the trunk muscles,” says GolfersMD expert Bob Donatelli. “The trunk includes the abdominal muscles, the back muscles and the side muscles, called the quadratus lumborum. And it is possible to build them up in a couple of simple ways.”

One is called the side bridge, which requires the golfer to lift up his hips while lying on his side. (See video.) “The idea is to be able to maintain a good hold position for up to 60 seconds once you have done this for a while,” Donatelli says. “Be careful about doing this if you have any back pain, and work your way up from, say, a 20-second hold for both the left and right sides.”

Exercise #2 is called a single leg bridge, with the golfer lying on his back, and then lifting his butt up, so it is straight and not rotated. Then, he should hold one leg straight out for up to 60 seconds before switching to the other leg. “You can build strength and endurance in your trunk with this, and you can go a long way to protecting yourself from lower back pain as a result,” says Donatelli.



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User Comments

Hristos K. Giannos, DC, MS
Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for your own physicians medical advice. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health, and particularly in respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Any action on your part in response to the information provided in this web site is at the reader's discretion. Allied Health & Wellness Centers Hristos K. Giannos, DC, MS Sports Medicine & Family Chiropractic 115 Technology Dr., Suite A-200 Trumbull, CT 06611 (203) 445-0795 (203) 268-5801
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Hristos K. Giannos, DC, MS
Wanted to add that the "single leg bridge" is actually a more advanced rehabilitation/preventive exercise. If you're just starting out I recommend the regular bridge first. When you feel confident that your technique is good, move on to the single leg bridge. To start the regular bridge you must perform "abdominal hollowing" to activate your inner abdominal muscles (the transverse abdominals for instance)and activate your core; this is also done for the single leg bridge and other floor exercises. To do this, you lay flat on the floor with your knees bent. Take a deep breath while you stick out your belly. When you exhale, bring in your belly button as far in as you can, and hold it. This will be kept throughout the exercise while breathing normally (I know, a little challenging but important for the exercise). Put your arms out on the floor at 90 degrees with palms facing up for stability. Now, your ready to lift your buttocks of the ground and raise it up until you are in a diagonal position from knees to chest. Hold for 10-15 seconds at the top and then go back down to the neutral position. Repeat as you become more comfortable and could progress to doing about 15-20 repetitions (reps). If you feel that your technique is failing, stop and regroup or do it again later on in the day. You can do these exercises at a max frequency of 1-2 sets a day and up to 4-5 times a week if it's well tolerated. Also, make sure that you are breathing normally and not holding your breath during any exercise program, because you might feel light headed or even pass out when you stand up. If you've been injured, it is wise to be examined by a Chiropractic Physician first before you begin any exercise program. If you're doing these as part of a preventive program, be sure to keep up the good work and also your technique. Disclaimer: This information was not intended to replace the services of your physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information
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pb
good exercises
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