How Hip, Knee, and Ankle Injuries Impact Swing Mechanics
Utilizing the ground to maximize efficiency and power in your golf swing is trending in the golf world. In the golf game, there is so much emphasis on maximizing distance and creating speed and power. To accomplish this, it all begins with footwork and ground interaction.
To do this properly, you must understand your body limitations and how injuries can impact your interaction with the ground and swing mechanics. With my Golf Performance program, I assess your interaction with the ground, focusing on foot pressure, timing, pressure shifts, and velocity.
Common body limitations that can impact your interaction with the ground are:
Your Ankles
Your ankles are vital in how well you can utilize the ground and their impact on your swing mechanics. In a normal backswing, you load most of your pressure inside your foot while keeping the rest of your lower body stable. You'll notice in this position; that there is a forceful transition to the lead leg. This movement creates an eversion of the ankle. If you have a history of ankle sprains or other ankle injuries in the trail leg, you will experience limitations in this movement. This will directly impact your ability to push off the trail leg and the timing and speed of your transition to the lead leg.
Your Knees
Unfortunately, previous knee injuries tend to negatively impact quad strength and the overall stability of your knee(s). Having a stable and strong knee is critically important on the lead side. This is because you need the ability to push off onto the lead leg and transfer the energy through the body to the clubhead. If you have a history of ALC tears, osteoarthritis, or other knee injuries, it will decrease your knee's stability, strength, and ability to time the pressure shift.
Your Hips
A full range of motion in your hips is essential for a powerful golf swing. If you suffer from decreased hip rotation, this can significantly reduce your ability to load that side effectively. History of arthritis or past hip injuries/surgeries will affect your hip's ability to rotate correctly. When you cannot rotate your hips effectively, your swing mechanics will suffer greatly.
Your Treatment
To receive treatment, you need to determine the cause of the limitation. Then, you'll need to correct the mobility issues with reinforcement exercises. These exercises will help improve strength and motor control.
I welcome you to schedule your initial full-body assessment. During our time together, I'll be able to find any dysfunction in your range of motion. Based on your assessment results, I'll create a custom performance program to help you overcome your limitations. You'll notice a huge improvement in your golf performance and overall body strength and mobility.
