|
Stretches For Young Golfers
Youth sports, including golf, have increased in both
numbers and popularity.
 | | One way to reduce injury risk for young golfers is to have them stretch before playing. |
With the appearance of new, young talent in the PGA,
LPGA, and Nationwide tours, children are starting to view golf as being
very cool.
Because children have not completed their physical
maturation, an injury at this time could result in permanent developmental
disability and lead to long-term functional problems.
One of the ways to reduce injury risk for young golfers
is to have them warm up and stretch before play. These same preventive
procedures also should enhance their performance ability.
Because the trunk serves as the link between the upper
and lower bodies, it must be strong enough to transfer forces between these
segments.
The child is at greatest risk for injury during a growth
spurt, which is when large increases in height are observed. During this
stage, the child has a tendency to develop tight low back, hamstring and
hip musculature in combination with weak abdominal muscles and a swayback
posture.
This can lead to compensatory maneuvers and increased
injury risk. Problems can range from common strains and sprains, to
fractures, disc injuries, vertebral wedging, stress reactions, vertebral
slippage, and over-use injuries.
Make training modifications for any golfers under 20,
especially those undergoing the added vulnerability of a growth spurt.
Rehabilitation and prevention programs can range from
strengthening and stretching exercises to immobilization and, in some
instances, rest.
Remembering that the muscles might not grow as fast as
the bone, flexibility becomes imperative during this critical developmental
period.
| 
