{"id":3703,"date":"2018-06-16T09:40:49","date_gmt":"2018-06-16T14:40:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=3703"},"modified":"2018-06-20T09:58:48","modified_gmt":"2018-06-20T14:58:48","slug":"protect-your-hips-to-save-your-golf-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/protect-your-hips-to-save-your-golf-game\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect your hips to save your golf game"},"content":{"rendered":"

Everyone agrees that the real power of the golf swing is not in your arms but in the club head speed as it impacts the ball.<\/p>\n

While there are many factors that contribute to club head speed, the potential energy created by the torque of trunk and hip rotation during the backswing generates club head speed throughout the downswing. Power is really a combination of trunk and hip rotation through ball contact.<\/p>\n

Golfers with lower back and hip problems frequently lose distance and have pain that can limit their ability to generate that drive through the downswing. As we get older, we lose flexibility and tend to shorten the backswing and decrease trunk rotation. One of the amazing aspects of Tiger Wood\u2019s return from multiple back procedures is his ability to generate high club head speed.<\/p>\n

Hip problems don\u2019t have to sideline you<\/h2>\n

For people with arthritis and even those who have had total hip replacement, golf is still a great way to exercise. And you can still play a solid game as shown by a number of professionals who have had a hip replacement \u2013 Jack Nicklaus, Hal Sutton and Davis Love III among others.<\/p>\n

While pain is often a limiting factor, the key is maintaining the flexibility of the lumbar spine and the rotational motion of the hips. For some, the worsening pain of hip arthritis can prevent them from playing.<\/p>\n

With successful hip replacement<\/a>, however, many can return to play without pain and still generate good rotation in both backswing and downswing just a few months after surgery.<\/p>\n

Both of these can be improved with a series of stretching exercises and warm up drills. A consistent program of exercises directed at strengthening the lumbar muscles and muscles around the hips is the best way to avoid problems.<\/p>\n

Staying healthy for easier play<\/h2>\n

The hip joints are some of the largest joints in the body. It is a \u2018ball and socket\u2019 that is operated by large, powerful muscles. Some important things to remember:<\/p>\n