How best to train around a Golf injury

Have you had an injury in the past and completely stopped your training?

This probably wasn't your best option! It's always best to modify your training plan to work around an injury.

For example one of my PGA professionals hurt his wrist in a Pro-Am last week, hitting into an upslope. So whilst we have put together a rehab plan for his wrist, we have also modified his gym and mobility plans to take out any movements that could aggravate or pause recovery. In this example, we have removed most pressing movements. Does this mean his sessions are shorter?

As much as he wishes, NO! We have shifted to focus a lot more on lower body and as we are in season a lot of these movements are working on his explosiveness. 

We have 100's of exercises for you to substitute around your injuries

This is just one example of how we can play around with our programming for clients at Macro Golf. Another thing both Joe and I like to get golfers to focus on when injuries put a halt to training is to focus more on mobility.  Whilst recovering from an injury, it's an excellent time to work on improving your mobility and flexibility. Gently stretching and performing mobility exercises can help maintain or even enhance your range of motion. Whilst also increasing blood flow around the body which may speed up recovery. 

Listen to your body! Take your time and don't rush back into things. The amount of times I've had golfers delay their progress by jumping in too quickly when recovering from injuries. I know it can be hard but by taking it slow you can hopefully avoid moving backwards again, which actually may save you time. 

Focus on Technique: Use this time to refine your golf technique. Focus on aspects of your swing that don't involve the injured area. Work with a coach or watch instructional videos to improve your mechanics. This can also be gym technique, mastering body weight movements can really help when you are then ready to add resistance again. 

Practice Putting and Short Game: While you may not be able to swing a club at full speed, you can still practice your putting and short game. This allows you to maintain your touch and feel for the game. I know for me in the past this as kept me mentally stable aha! And it is an area many of us avoid (not as fun as sending bombs on the range) 

Obviously it's always disheartening when you're injured. Try to stay positive, by focusing your energy on other areas where you can improve. Sadly injuries happen but if you're clever you can adjust and always move forward. 

Sam