Common reasons
Back, hip, shoulder and elbow niggles can make a round, or a session at the range, less enjoyable.
Osteopathy may help with golf-related discomfort through assessment, hands-on care, exercise and practical advice, looking at how your back, hips and shoulders work together. Care is tailored to you, with a clear plan we agree on together.
This is general information only. It is not a diagnosis or a promise of results. If I think another health professional would suit you better, I’ll say so.
Common areas and symptoms
Golf looks gentle, but the swing involves fast rotation through the whole body, and walking 18 holes on one of the Bayside courses adds up. People often describe:
Lower back pain or stiffness, during the swing or after a round
Hip or buttock discomfort, often on the lead side
Shoulder pain at the top of the backswing or in the follow-through
Pain on the inside or outside of the elbow, sometimes called golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow
Wrist or hand discomfort, particularly after hitting off mats or catching the ground
Neck stiffness that makes it harder to turn your head and keep your eye on the ball
These symptoms can spill into everyday life — bending to tie your shoelaces, lifting the golf bag into the car, gardening, sitting at a desk or sleeping comfortably.
Possible contributing factors
The golf swing loads the back, hips, shoulders and arms repeatedly, and discomfort often builds when the demands outpace what the body is ready for. Factors commonly involved include:
Playing load — a sudden increase in rounds, a golf holiday or long sessions at the driving range
Reduced rotation through the hips or upper back, which may place more load elsewhere
Swing technique, such as how you transfer your weight or finish the swing
Equipment — club length, grip size or shaft type that doesn’t suit you
Carrying a heavy bag over many holes
Skipping a warm-up and heading straight to the first tee
Previous injuries, and age-related changes in the joints and tendons, which are common
Pain felt in one area can sometimes relate to movement elsewhere, so part of the assessment is looking at the whole body, not just where it hurts.
Your first visit: assessment and referral
We’ll talk about how your symptoms started, how often you play and practise, which parts of the swing bring them on, your work and other activities, previous injuries and your general health. I’ll assess how your back, hips, shoulders and arms move, check strength, and may ask you to show me a few swing positions, with or without a club.
I’ll explain what I’ve found and whether osteopathy is a sensible option for you.
Some golf-related problems need further investigation or a different type of care. If I suspect a significant tendon tear, a rib or other stress injury, nerve involvement, a joint problem that needs medical review, or pain that may be coming from somewhere other than muscles and joints, I’ll refer you to your GP, who may arrange imaging or a specialist review. For swing technique, a qualified golf coach is the right person to help.
What a visit may include
Assessment of how your back, hips, shoulders and arms move, including swing-related positions
Hands-on techniques that may help with stiffness and discomfort
A graded exercise plan and practical advice for your game
How osteopaths commonly approach golf-related aches and pains
Management depends on what may be contributing and how much golf you want to play. For many people the aim is to keep playing in some form while symptoms settle. Osteopathic care commonly includes:
Education — what may be happening, how tissues respond to load, and what is and isn’t likely to be harmful
Activity modification — temporarily adjusting practice volume or the number of holes, or using a buggy or cart
Exercise — mobility work for the hips and upper back, plus strengthening for the trunk, hips, shoulders and forearms
Hands-on techniques — soft tissue work and joint mobilisation, which may help with comfort and movement
Dry needling or cupping — sometimes used alongside exercise where appropriate, and discussed with you first
Return-to-golf planning — staged steps, such as chipping and putting before full swings, back towards a full round
How progress is reviewed
Recovery varies between people and conditions, so I don’t set a fixed number of sessions or promise timeframes. We’ll track practical markers — how you feel during and after a round, range of movement, strength, and everyday tasks — and adjust your plan as you go.
If progress stalls, we’ll reassess and discuss whether imaging or a referral would help.
Things you can try day to day
Warm up for five to ten minutes before you play, with gentle rotations, practice swings and a few easy shots
Build up practice gradually — after time off, hit a small bucket at the range rather than a large one
Use a push buggy or cart if carrying your bag aggravates your symptoms
Stay active between rounds with walking and simple mobility exercises for your hips and upper back
Lift your bag in and out of the car close to your body, bending at the hips and knees
Have your equipment checked by a golf professional if your clubs or grips may not suit you
Talk to your GP or pharmacist about pain relief options
When to seek urgent medical care
Some symptoms need urgent medical assessment. Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have:
Chest pain or pressure, pain spreading into the arm, jaw or back, shortness of breath or sweating while playing — this may be a heart problem
Back pain with numbness around the groin or buttocks, or new problems controlling your bladder or bowels
Sudden weakness, numbness or drooping of the face or arm, or slurred speech
A suspected fracture or dislocation after a fall — obvious deformity, severe pain or being unable to move the joint
Signs of heat illness on a hot day, such as confusion, vomiting or collapse
See your GP promptly for back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer, pain that is constant and doesn’t ease with rest or changing position, or ongoing pins and needles or weakness in an arm or leg.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop playing golf?
Not always. Many people can keep playing in a modified way — fewer holes, less time at the range or using a buggy — while symptoms settle. If pain is sharp, getting worse or changing how you swing, it’s worth being assessed first.
Can you change my golf swing?
Swing coaching is the job of a qualified golf professional. My role is to look at how your body moves and help with discomfort, strength and mobility. Where it helps, I’m happy to work alongside your coach.
Is golfer’s elbow only caused by golf?
No. Despite the name, pain on the inside of the elbow is often linked to gripping, lifting and repetitive tasks at work, in the garden or at the gym, as well as golf.
Do I need a scan?
Many people don’t need imaging to start care, and scan findings such as disc or tendon changes are common in people without pain. If I think imaging would change your management, I’ll refer you to your GP.
Do I need a referral to book?
No referral is needed. Some funding schemes do require a GP referral — see the Funding and claims page for details.
General information only. Osteopathy isn’t right for everyone — I’ll be straight with you if another option is better.
Ready to book?
By appointment only at 123 Martin Street, Brighton.