Golf might not involve body checks or sprinting down a field, but don't let that fool you—it's still a physically demanding sport.
A single round of golf involves thousands of steps, repetitive swinging, bending, rotating, and generating force through your entire body. Whether you're a weekend golfer or chasing a lower handicap, those repetitive movements can eventually lead to aches, pains, and injuries.
At REVIVELAB Health & Performance in Bridgeland, Calgary, we regularly work with golfers looking to recover from injuries, improve mobility, and stay on the course all season long.
Here are some of the most common golf injuries we see—and what you can do about them.
1. Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common complaints among golfers.
Every swing requires your spine to rotate, bend, and transfer force from your lower body to your upper body. Repeating that movement hundreds of times at the driving range or over multiple rounds can overload the muscles, joints, or surrounding tissues.
Common contributing factors include:
Limited hip mobility
Reduced thoracic spine rotation
Poor core strength or endurance
Sudden increases in practice or playing volume
Swing mechanics that place excessive stress on the lower back
What Can Help?
Treatment often includes a combination of hands-on therapy, mobility exercises, strength training, and gradually returning to full golfing volume.
The goal isn't simply to reduce pain—it's to improve your body's ability to tolerate the demands of golf.
2. Golfer's Elbow
Despite the name, golfer's elbow isn't limited to golfers.
This condition involves irritation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow, usually from repetitive gripping and wrist movements.
You may notice:
Pain on the inside of the elbow
Tenderness when gripping clubs
Discomfort after hitting balls at the range
Pain when lifting everyday objects
What Can Help?
While rest may calm symptoms temporarily, tendons usually respond best to progressive loading.
Treatment often includes:
Activity modification
Strengthening exercises
Hands-on therapy
Shockwave therapy when appropriate
Gradual return to golf
3. Shoulder Pain
Your shoulders play a major role in creating and controlling your swing.
Over time, repetitive overhead and rotational movements can contribute to:
Many golfers also spend long hours sitting at work, which can contribute to stiffness through the upper back and shoulders.
Improving shoulder mobility, strengthening the rotator cuff, and improving thoracic spine movement can all help reduce unnecessary stress on the shoulder.
4. Wrist Injuries
Every shot transfers force through your wrists.
Hitting the ground before the ball, taking deep divots, or practicing excessively can overload the small joints, tendons, and ligaments around the wrist.
Symptoms may include:
Pain after impact
Swelling
Reduced grip strength
Pain during the follow-through
Ignoring wrist pain often leads to compensations elsewhere in the swing.
Early assessment can help identify the cause and guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
5. Hip Pain
Healthy hips are essential for generating power and allowing your body to rotate efficiently.
Limited hip mobility may cause your lower back or knees to compensate during the swing.
Common hip-related issues include:
Hip flexor irritation
Gluteal tendinopathy
Joint stiffness
Muscle strains
Improving hip mobility and strength often benefits both comfort and swing mechanics.
6. Neck Pain
Neck pain is common among golfers, particularly after longer rounds or practice sessions.
Contributing factors may include:
Limited upper back mobility
Muscle tension
Poor posture
Repetitive rotation
Carrying a golf bag for extended periods
Treatment often focuses on improving mobility throughout the neck and upper back while addressing the underlying movement limitations contributing to symptoms.
7. Knee Pain
Walking 18 holes, navigating uneven terrain, and repeatedly rotating through the swing can all place stress on the knees.
Golfers with previous knee injuries may notice discomfort during:
Walking hills
Rotating through the downswing
Squatting to read putts
Getting in and out of golf carts
Building lower-body strength and improving movement quality can often help golfers return to playing comfortably.
Can Golf Injuries Be Prevented?
While no injury can be prevented entirely, many golf-related injuries can be reduced by improving how your body prepares for the demands of the game.
Some of the most effective strategies include:
Warming up before every round
Building strength throughout the year
Improving hip and thoracic spine mobility
Gradually increasing practice volume
Recovering adequately between rounds
Addressing small aches before they become larger problems
Think of your body like your golf clubs—regular maintenance helps everything perform better.
How We Help Golfers at REVIVELAB Health & Performance
Every golfer is different.
Some are trying to play pain-free.
Others want to hit the ball farther.
Some simply want to enjoy 18 holes without feeling stiff for the next three days.
Our team combines chiropractic care, registered massage therapy, rehabilitation exercises, mobility training, and performance-focused treatment to help golfers recover from injuries and keep playing the game they love.
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatment plans.
Instead, we assess how your body moves, identify the factors contributing to your symptoms, and create a personalized plan based on your goals.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
It's a good idea to have persistent pain assessed if it:
Lasts more than a week or two
Keeps returning after every round
Affects your swing
Limits your ability to practice or play
Causes you to change how you move
Addressing a problem early is often much easier than trying to manage it after months of compensating.
Planning your next step
Golf is a lifelong sport—and your body should be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Whether you're dealing with back pain after a round, a sore elbow from too much time at the driving range, or a shoulder that's limiting your swing, the right combination of treatment, rehabilitation, and strength training can help you get back on the course with confidence.
At REVIVELAB Health & Performance, we're passionate about helping golfers in Calgary move better, recover smarter, and continue playing the sport they love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my back hurt after playing golf?
The golf swing places significant rotational stress on the spine. Limited hip or upper back mobility, reduced strength, or a sudden increase in playing volume can all contribute to back pain.
What is golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow is an overuse injury affecting the tendons on the inside of the elbow. It often develops from repetitive gripping and swinging.
Should I stop golfing if I have pain?
Not always. In many cases, modifying how much you play or practice while beginning appropriate treatment and rehabilitation is more effective than stopping completely.
Can chiropractic care help golfers?
Chiropractic care can be one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Hands-on treatment, mobility work, strength exercises, and education are often combined to help golfers reduce pain and improve movement.
What's the best way to prevent golf injuries?
A proper warm-up, regular strength training, maintaining mobility, managing practice volume, and addressing small aches early are among the most effective ways to reduce injury risk.