Muscle
Massage
Reduce Forearm Tightness
by Todd D. Saunders
The muscles that make up the forearm are primarily known as wrist
extensors and flexors. These muscles are also known as "fine motor
skill movement" muscles. Fine motor skill movements are responsible
for the "touch and feel" aspect of your golf game. These muscles are
very important during a short game and full swing of golf.
The "touch and feel" begins with the feedback from your hands and
forearms but mostly associated with your grip. This can be translated
into how hard you strike a putt, how strong you hit a high flop shot,
or if the club face is open or closed at the time of impact. If your
muscles of the forearm and wrist become tight or restricted from
practice/play, or from muscle build-up byproducts, you may struggle
with an inconsistent short game. Since these muscles are unable to
provide adequate feedback, specific muscle massage will help increase
flexibility, rejuvenate and increase muscle sensory mechanisms, as
well as provide you with better "touch and feel."
Tightness of your forearm and wrist muscles, if not taken care of
with specific muscle massage and flexibility exercises, may emanate
additional concerns other than decreased "touch and feel."
Additionally, this muscle tightness may cause serious problems such
as wrist soreness/tendonitis, as well as elbow tendonitis, which may
be long-lasting without adequate care.
Todd D. Saunders, B.A., L.M.T., is an Exercise Physiologist
and Licensed Massage Therapist. For questions regarding sports
specific muscle massage, you can reach Todd by calling Advanced
Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (AOSPT) at 561-478-2322. or
tsaunders@floridagolfing.com
