Golfer's
Agenda
Physical Therapy
Learning to Avoid Injuries Starts Early!
by Pete Draovitch
Over the past few years, youth sports have increased, both in
number and popularity. Many rule modifications have been made to
accommodate younger participants. However, one unavoidable problem
that remains is INJURY. Since children are in their most formative
years of physical maturation, injury could result in permanent
developmental disability, which could lead to long term functional
problems.
Low back injuries among the golf population are quite common.
Since the trunk serves as the link between the upper and lower body,
it must be strong enough to transfer or dissipate force between these
segments. Thus, any injury to this area reduces the effectiveness of
performance. It is important to remember that the bony spinal column
does not mature until the early twenties. Because anatomical,
structural and mechanical differences exist between children and
adults, certain injuries are specific to children. Several low back
injury classification systems have been established for the youth
sports population. Regardless of what type injury is incurred, a
child is at greatest risk of injury during a growth spurt. It is
during this stage that a big gain in height is seen, and when the
child has a tendency to develop tight low back, hamstrings and hip
musculature, weak abdominals and a sway back posture. This posture
can lead to breakdown of the posterior portion of the bony vertebrae.
It can also lead to a compensatory forward bending of the mid-low
back vertebral region. These compensatory maneuvers lead to
increased risk for injuries, which can range from common sprains and
strains to fractures, disc injuries, vertebral wedging, stress
reactions, vertebral slippage, spinal narrowing and overuse injuries.
Risk factors which may contribute to the overuse injuries
include: training errors, muscle-tendon imbalance, anatomical
malalignment, footwear, associated disease state, nutrition factors,
cultural deconditioning, improper supervision, and early return
following injury.
We need to remember that training modifications must be made
during the growth spurt, especially since this is the most vulnerable
time for injury. Rehabilitation and prevention programs can range
from stretching and strengthening programs, bracing, immobilization,
or rest. We should expect to begin to see more golf injuries among
girls because of their increased participation. Youth sports should
offer its participants a relatively safe, low risk and high benefit
environment. It is our obligation as health care professionals, along
with parents, teachers, and coaches, to see to it that our young
athletes are provided with the optimal learning environment for the
promotion of physical, mental and social growth.
Pete Draovitch, M.S.,
A.T.C., P.T., C.S.C.S., is the founding President of PD Sports
Medicine Services. He's Greg Norman's Personal Physical Therapist and
works with other touring pros. Pete can be reached at 561-744-3177.
PD@floridagolfing.com
