Southern Indiana Orthopedics Helps Golfers Stay in the Game This Fall

As Indiana recently hosted two major golf events — the LIV Golf Indianapolis tournament in Westfield and the PGA Team Championship in West Lafayette — Southern Indiana Orthopedics, the region's most preferred orthopedic practice, is helping golfers stay in the game through injury prevention and expert orthopedic care. Golfers experiencing pain or injury are encouraged to schedule an appointment at one of Southern Indiana Orthopedics' locations in Columbus, North Vernon, Seymour or Greensburg.

"With major golf events bringing even more attention to the sport recently, it's a great reminder that golfers of all skill levels should make injury prevention part of their routine," said Dr. Douglas Federle, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and practice president at Southern Indiana Orthopedics. "Many common golf injuries can be prevented with proper preparation, and when pain does develop, early evaluation and treatment can help golfers recover more quickly and stay on the course."

Although golf is often considered a low-impact sport, the repetitive swing, rotational forces and uneven terrain can contribute to a variety of musculoskeletal injuries. Southern Indiana Orthopedics' specialty-trained doctors highlight several common golf-related injuries and prevention strategies:

• Golfer's elbow: Repeated stress from gripping and swinging the club can inflame the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Proper stretching, strengthening and allowing time for recovery can help reduce strain.
• Lower back pain: The repetitive twisting motion of the golf swing can place added stress on the muscles and joints of the lower back. Maintaining core strength and flexibility can help minimize the risk of injury.
• Shoulder injuries: Repetitive swings may lead to rotator cuff irritation, tendon inflammation or shoulder instability. Warming up and maintaining shoulder mobility can help support healthy movement.
• Hand and wrist injuries: Repeated impact with the club and improper swing mechanics can cause pain or inflammation in the hands and wrists. Proper technique and grip can help lessen stress on these joints.
• Hip and knee pain: Repetitive movement and walking the course can place additional stress on the hips and knees. Strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving balance can help support joint health.

To help golfers stay healthy on the course, Southern Indiana Orthopedics recommends:

• Preparing your body with dynamic stretching and a proper warm-up before every round.
• Building strength and flexibility through regular exercise, with an emphasis on core stability.
• Increasing practice time and activity levels gradually to help prevent overuse injuries.
• Addressing persistent pain early by seeking evaluation before minor symptoms become more serious.

"Whether you're playing a weekend round or feeling inspired by the tournaments taking place across Indiana this month, taking a few simple steps to protect your body can make a big difference," Dr. Federle said. "By staying proactive with conditioning, paying attention to early signs of pain and seeking treatment when needed, golfers can reduce their risk of injury and continue enjoying the game for years to come."

The experts at Southern Indiana Orthopedics serve as the exclusive regional providers for The Golf Docs, offering expertise in diagnosing and treating golf-related injuries. The Golf Docs is a national resource focused on injury prevention and performance insights for golfers. For injury prevention tips and exercises, visit www.thegolfdocs.com/region/columbus.

To learn more about golf injury prevention or to schedule an appointment with Southern Indiana Orthopedics, please call 812-376-9353 or request an appointment online.