Top 5 Golf Injuries in Sarasota (and How Chiropractic & Active Release Can Help)
Golf is one of Sarasota’s favorite pastimes - from Longboat Key to Lakewood Ranch, players of all levels are on the course year-round. But while golf may look low-impact, the reality is that the repetitive motions and rotational forcesof the sport put unique stress on the body.
At Well Co Chiropractic, Dr. Sandy Arthur specializes in helping golfers recover from injuries and prevent them from coming back. Using Active Release Technique (ART), soft tissue therapy, and customized rehab, Sarasota golfers can keep playing pain-free.
Here are the Top 5 Golf Injuries we see in our office and how we treat them.
1. Low Back Pain
Why it happens:
Repetitive rotation during the swing
Poor core stability
Prolonged bending posture over the ball
Symptoms: Aching or sharp pain in the lower back, sometimes radiating into the hip or leg.
Treatment: ART to release tight spinal and hip muscles, plus rehab focused on core and hip stability for a more efficient, pain-free swing.
Want to read more about sciatica and low back pain? Click here!
2. Golf Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Why it happens:
Overuse of the forearm muscles during gripping and swinging
Common in players who practice or play multiple rounds per week
Symptoms: Pain on the inside of the elbow, weakness with grip.
Treatment: Soft tissue release of the forearm flexors with ART, plus eccentric strengthening and grip retraining.
3. Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Strain or Impingement)
Why it happens:
Overhead and follow-through motions stress the rotator cuff
Weakness or poor shoulder mechanics increase risk
Symptoms: Pain when lifting the arm overhead, weakness with swings, stiffness in the shoulder.
Treatment: ART to release tight shoulder and chest muscles, stability drills for the rotator cuff and scapula, and posture retraining.
4. Sciatica & Hip Pain
Why it happens:
Disc irritation or tight glutes/piriformis muscles can irritate the sciatic nerve
Golf’s repetitive twisting puts stress on the lower back and hips
Symptoms: Pain radiating from the back into the glutes, hamstrings, or calf; tingling or numbness in the leg.
Treatment: ART to release tension in the hips, glutes, and low back; mobility work; and golf-specific rehab to restore proper rotation.
Want more about sciatica? Click here!
5. Wrist & Hand Injuries
Why it happens:
Vibration from impact with the ground or ball
Repetitive stress from gripping the club
Overuse in practice sessions
Symptoms: Pain on the thumb side of the wrist (De Quervain’s), soreness with gripping, or weakness in the hands.
Treatment: ART to free up tight forearm and wrist tissues, along with grip-strengthening and mobility drills.
Why Sarasota Golfers Choose Dr. Sandy Arthur at Well Co Chiropractic
Dr. Sandy Arthur understands that golf is more than a sport, it’s a lifestyle in Sarasota. It’s why people move here from out of state to be snow birds.
That’s why at Well Co Chiropractic, treatment is designed not just to relieve pain but to:
Improve swing mechanics
Build long-term resilience
Keep you on the course, not on the sidelines
By combining Active Release Technique (ART) with sport-specific rehab, Sarasota golfers recover faster and prevent future injuries.
Ready to Get Back in the Game?
Don’t let pain stop you from playing your next round. Whether you’re battling low back stiffness, elbow pain, or sciatica, Dr. Sandy Arthur can help you recover and perform your best.
👉 Book a consult call with Dr. Sandy today to find out more!