As a new PGA season begins it is important to review what happened last year. Although I am not one to look back it is beneficial to evaluate injury and treatment profiles. Where injuries occurred and why as well as what treatments were most effective for those injuries are our own performance litmus tests as clinicians.
Data compiled by Professional Sports Care shows the prevalence of where injuries occurred in the following chart:
Lower Back: 54%
Lead Shoulder: 8%
Thoracic Spine: 7%
Lead Hip: 7%
Lead Wrist: 7%
Lead Elbow: 5%
Cervical Spine: 5%
Trail Hip: 3%
Trail Elbow: 2%
Trail Wrist: 2%
This data reflects the location where the PGA golfer presented with pain not the causal area of their symptoms. The most prevalent site of pain in many instances was not the cause of symptoms. For instance, regarding lower back pain thorough assessment reflected approximately 30-35% of lower back complaints were hip dysfunction expressing itself as lower back pain. Symptomatically, lower back symptoms improved quicker and more completely when including the hip, thoracic spine, shoulders and neck in the treatment and rehabilitation/exercise protocol. Also having a myriad of treatment capabilities hastened recovery. If a particular treatment format showed a slower than reasonable effectiveness protocol was altered to promote recovery.
All of this information is valuable as we begin the 2019-2020 season. The objective of the staff of the Player Performance trailers is to reassess and redefine what we do so as to provide the most relevant therapy and treatment options available. Procedures that will treat conditions effectively and maximize the capabilities of the professional golfer. Combining this with the talent the PGA golfers possess will lead to high levels of performance.
Performance. That's what it's all about on the PGA Tour!
