Space-Age Physical Therapy for Golfers #golf

Ah, the scourge of the average golfer - elbow, knee, mid and lower back pains that never seem to go away flaring up during rounds with your foursome. What can sports enthusiasts do to keep their golf game in play in the face of bodily pain?

Although many folks scoff at the thought that golf is a "physical" sport, consider Tiger Woods who has been in the news since 2009 with physical ailments from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstructive surgery to back spasms which caused him to excuse himself mid-tournament.

After hobbling off the golf course at The Farmers Insurance Open, the former number-one player in the world was quoted as saying, "...my glutes shut off and then they don’t activate and, hence, it goes into my lower back."

Considering professional golfers like Woods keep their bodies in motion by exercising or by practicing their efficiently mastered swings on a regular basis, the average golfer has a better probability of confronting physical ailments than the pros, opening themselves up to greater susceptibility to injury.

Poor technique, lack of warm-up/conditioning or body strengthening all contribute to a weakened system. When impacted over the long term, stretching just isn't an option anymore.

Of course you can always give up the game but, if you're like most of us golf fanatics, that's not an option. So what can you do?

If you have gone beyond the threshold of light pain management and the Advil or Aleve just isn't working for you anymore - it might be time to consider physical therapy as an option.

Below we list a few of the latest advancements in physical and rehabilitative therapy which will make you believe...

"However far modern science and technics have fallen short of their inherent possibilities, they have taught mankind at least one lesson: Nothing is impossible." Lewis Mumford, Technics and Civilization, 1934.

Have you ever heard of CAREN?

One of the latest advancements in science, CAREN (Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment) is a virtual reality system which treats and rehabilitates people with walking, back pain, posture, balance, spinal stability and motor control issues.

Described as feeling as if you are in a Star-Trek holodeck, CAREN boldly goes where no therapy has gone before.

This breakthrough in science comes complete with 360 degree cameras and a force plate which measures your movements as you immerse yourself in a virtual world of exercise and games designed to offer live feedback to help understand, and improve, your performance.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

An FDA approved treatment for neuromuscular disorders, this non-invasive treatment accelerates the healing process via high pressure sound waves.

Especially useful for chronic plantar fasciitis, more commonly known as that bane for golfers -heel pain, EPAT or ESWT treatment goes beyond exercise by stimulating the cells to produce cytokines and chemokines which helps the body to produce mast cells and collagen and repair tissue structure to the area. As yoga master Pam Werner aptly stated, "our feet are our body's foundation as well as the tools of our mobility."

Alter-G Antigravity Treadmill

Rehabilitation should not be a chore but instead, should be something looked forward to, in anticipation of getting back out onto the fairways with renewed passion! Adapted from NASA astronauts training in a reduced gravity environment, Alter-G is not your average gym treadmill!

Air pressure encloses the user in a "bubble" to simulate lower gravity allowing rehabilitating athletes to run for longer stretches without impacting the body which is especially important for knee, hip or joint sufferers. Among the beneficiaries of the Alter-G Antigravity Treadmill are members of the LA Lakers, Olympic athletes, long distance runners.


Scientific advancements like CAREN may not give you superpowers but should help you relieve your aches and pains so you can continue to enjoy the fairways of life.


What types of physical therapy treatment do you currently use to help keep you on the golf course? Do you have questions about physical therapy?


Ask the experts where we learned about these new technologies - New York Dynamic Neuromuscular Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. Reach them on their website: http://nydnrehab.com/.

NYDNRehab on Google Plus
NYDNRehab on Facebook

Dr. Lev Kalika revolutionized how back pain and other motor disorders are treated by introducing Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) at his New York City’s Bryant Park practice.


Let us know how you manage your pain on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on this Golf for Beginners blog.

Best #Golf Drivers for a Beginners' Swing - 2015 Update

Have golf drivers really changed that much in the past few years and, do beginners really need the latest technology?

In an article from several years ago, Golfdigest.com claimed that, due to technological advances, the driver is "the most obsolete club in the average golfer's bag." Members in an ongoing Golfwrx.com forum on the topic state the opposite, except for the advancement of the 460cc head.

Just because club manufacturers may have introduced three new models in the past year with thinner heads and more adjustments, does that mean golfers need to go out and purchase a new driver every year?

From the hottest Titleist 915 D2 to the newest Callaway Big Bertha with all of the "bells and whistles" from weight to loft adjustment, selecting a golf driver to suit your game has certainly become a daunting task. Which club is best for a beginner, which should be chosen by a more seasoned player and how do you decide which is best for your swing?

Although there are drivers designed for every type of player, swing and speed, there are clubs made specifically for a newer player, golfers more apt to hit off-center or to be off balance.

If you think that you should purchase a driver and "grow into it", think again. Some drivers on the market are designed with all of the bells and whistles to enhance a golf swing, not necessarily created for golf beginners but for players who have had more than a bit of experience connecting with the ball (better amateurs, the next up-and-coming Jordan Spieth or Bubba Watson...)

A newer player should not be saddled with letting the club draw the ball - this lesson should be taught to you by a professional instructor.

DO YOU NEED AN ADJUSTABLE DRIVER?

Yes, it is definitely fun turning a screw and twisting the hosel or head to be able to draw the ball or to have a higher loft. Again, I stress the importance of learning the correct way to adjust the ball flight is through proper instruction. For many folks who continually slice, for example, an adjustable driver might help when you're heading into a business "tournament" and need to straighten up for the boss...

Instead of running through a store grabbing drivers that you might have seen on a commercial, in Jordan Spieth's hand at the Masters, or regaled about by golfers on social media sites, try a demo day or head over to your local golf store for a free custom club fitting and try swinging a few clubs in a hitting booth.

One suggestion when finally deciding on a driver? Make sure the shaft is the right one for you. Have a professional measure you for correct length and that the shaft weight and flex are in tune with your game.

Ready, get set go! Golf for Beginners has chosen three drivers to update our 2013 article "Which Golf Drivers Are Best for Beginners?" that should make it easier to instill confidence for beginners as well as for the average amateur on the golf course.


1. Callaway XR Driver: When I switched from my Titleist 905T to the Callaway X2 Hot (hot, hot), I buried my face in my hands, wondering if I would ever hit the ball as long as I did. After several swings of the driver, I put the Titleist in the bag of clubs collecting dust in the garage.

This XR Driver is built for speed and has less face weight with R•MOTO Face Technology. This Callaway is quite a looker, its lightweight and aerodynamic and, when you need a bit more loft or change of lie, it is available to you.


2. Cobra Fly-Z Driver: Another driver company which believes that making the club lighter and redirecting weight will have you hitting like a pro. Cobra claims ultimate forgiveness for off-center hits and a face that turns heads.

Beautiful colors but my only concern for less experienced players is choosing from all of the loft and swing weight variations available.



3. Ping G25: Although Ping makes three different G30 models, I tried the G25 and believe that this is a driver which you can grow into. Solid trajectory and forgiveness inspire confidence. Although I finally selected the Callaway X2 Hot driver for my swing, I did choose the new Ping Karsten Irons as my set...and love them.

Ping has its own fitting system so it is important to visit a golf store like PGA Tour Superstore if you are interested in trying this club. A fitter is on-hand ready to unscrew head from shaft and talk to you about your game and your needs.


Which golf drivers have you tried and which did you finally decide on? Are you happy with your decision? Let us know on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on this golf blog.


photo: golfinglive.com, Callaway Golf, Corbra Golf

Speaking Up on Social Media - Good or Bad for Golf?

Probably the most notable of Twitter golfers to rhapsody on the social media channel, Ian Poulter, recently stung back about his decision to stay out of this year's BMW PGA Championship based on a less-than-stellar track record at the event.

Stewart Cink, well-known for his use of Twitter, posts daily, most recently dishing about his bum rap at not playing in The Masters with a positive spin of vacationing in the Riviera Maya with his wife Lisa and returning home to watch the tournament on his brand, new 4K TV.

Do you think that player social media chat helps, or hurts golf? Do fans appreciate the openness and connectivity of their heroes, of reporters and golf's most outspoken characters or would they prefer a bit more ...detachment.

Fans must love the connectivity because guys like Cink pull in huge audiences. Cink currently has 1.12 million followers while Poulter has a whopping 1.87 million devotees but, is the intimacy good for the sport or is it better to just see the facade put on for the viewing audience?

Yes, pro golfers are active on Twitter and reporters and large business concerns are also quick to criticize, and make public, the sports' highs...and low. Golf Digest recently pointed out that ESPN Sports Business reporter Darren Rovell's comments about the state of the game might not be a "complete picture", noting that "the true picture is larger than 140 characters."

Before the influx of social connectivity, there was an air of mystique about the game, players, their lives, their thoughts of tournaments and of other tour players (unless a writer was told some juicy off-the-cuff tidbits). Fast forward to our technological society complete with smartphones dangling from almost everyone's pocket and the sky's the limit for many of these players as well as for their fans to see and to comment upon.

In the case of fallen number-one world golfer Tiger Woods. fans got to see Woods' personal debacle unfold ...the clean crispy hero turned into failure before our eyes, thanks, in part, to media and social media.

If not for his public outing, Tiger might have broken all records by now.

The media helped take the untouchable Tiger out of his winning rhythm...but, never fear! The PGA Tour announced on their website that Woods told Nicklaus he would be playing in the Memorial...websites add even more social fodder to the social world.

Tiger to Nicklaus: "See you in May. I'll be at the Memorial." http://t.co/QJr5EqWdw4 pic.twitter.com/Fm6ByJk3Mx
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 23, 2015

For Poulter, Dufner and others, the social connection gives them a chance to vent, helps their sponsors...and advertises to the public where to buy their books, clothing and more, further turning the machine.

Twitter seems to be the avenue of choice for celebrities, pro-sports stars including golfers, PGA Tour and LPGA to connect with audiences because of its quick and easy platform, which is why I have used this avenue in my examples.

Where does it all go from here? We as a people are moving forward and it looks as if social connectivity is here to stay, at least until the next big thing comes along. What is your opinion? Do you follow and interact with your favorite golfers on social media? Do you think we are living in an age of too much information?

Comment on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and at the bottom of this golf blog!


photo: golf.com

Performing Under Pressure: Doing Your Best When It Matters Most #golf

When Jordan Spieth was asked on Bloomberg Business television network how he handled the intense Masters Tournament pressure putts he replied, "I just tried to have an imagination."

The art of visualization and getting your brain involved in the process of golf have been studied by psychologists, performance coaches and instructors because, as Bobby Jones once aptly stated, “Competitive golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course...the space between your ears.”

In order to learn how to perform at my highest level during a round of golf, I have been reading the book, "Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most." Psychologist Hendrie Weisinger, Ph.D and performance coach JP Pawliw-Fry explain the debilitating effects that pressure has on your game and also provide strategies to overcome those stressful moments.

In one chapter, the writers discuss several solutions to pressure situations, one of which is to lessen the importance of the situation and another which is to focus on the mission.

Going back to the Spieth interview, here is how Jordan said he beat Augusta National:

"Ultimately, you really have to focus on the hole. You can't think of anything like looking at the scoreboard, don't think about it being for birdie, for par...it doesn't even matter. The point is you have to think about the read, get the speed and just pretend you're hitting another putt on the practice range."

Sounds like Spieth already read the book...



Another pressure solution from the book which Spieth put into play? Recall you at your best.

Golfers usually make great shots at the practice range/putting green as there is all confidence and very little pressure. Try putting a few of those successful "makes" into your memory bank for your next game!

For the average golfer who jumps out of his car and bolts for the first tee, Spieth's tips are easier said than done. Instead, we read books, we watch the greatest golfers on the world's stage hoping to take away a bit of their magic for our next round. If you are interested in exploring the science behind rising to the occasion, Performing Under Pressure may help you do your best when it matters most.


How Do You Deal With Pressure on the Golf Course? Join the Conversation on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and let us know on this Golf for Beginners blog!

photo credit: The Mindful Golfer infographic found on visual.ly

Official 2015 Masters #Golf Merchandise GIVEAWAY!

It's Masters Week and Golf for Beginners wants you to win incredible Official 2015 Masters Golf Merchandise! Last year we gave away great Masters souvenirs and this year we have more serious swag for you from the great folks at mmogolf.com.

Swag from The Masters? You bet! Read below for your chance to enter and WIN!

Many golf fans believe that spring officially arrives with The Masters and this year, with Tiger Woods possibly having his final major season, Rory McIlroy looking for a career grand-slam, Bubba Watson gearing up for Masters win number three and young guns like Spieth and Day chasing a major victory, this could surely be the most exciting event of the year.

The combination of azaleas in bloom at Augusta, memories of past wins, the turning over of the legendary Green Jacket and all the tradition that goes along with The Masters, makes this golf blogger want to give away Masters Merchandise. Most golf fans will not be attending but that doesn't mean you can't walk away without a souvenir!

Golf for Beginners knows you are gearing up to watch The Masters this week so we have arranged this special giveaway to two lucky readers of our golf blog.

One lucky golf fan will win this Official 2015 Masters Caddy Slouch Hat. 

And...one happy fan will win this awesome, embroidered 2015 Masters pin flag.

In my opinion, these are two of the most-sought-after items at The Masters!

What do you have to do in order to try and win this Officially Incredibly Cool Masters Merchandise?

Here it comes... it's the Official Giveaway Rules!

This is a Twitter-based giveaway but we will also watch for these hashtags on Facebook and Google Plus so...

Follow @Golf4Beginners on Twitter and send us a tweet with the hashtag #MastersHat or #MastersPinFlag telling us why you want to win either of those prizes.

Updates must include entrants' @username mention to @Golf4Beginners in addition to either #MastersHat or #MastersPinFlag to be considered an entry.

One Masters green slouch hat and one Masters pin flag will be given away by Golf for Beginners blog.

Prizes contributed by MMOGolf.com (see below).

One winner of men's hat and a different winner of pin flag - winners will be selected by me, Stacy Solomon, so please try and make nice yet opinionated Masters mentions as I will be reading and responding to all comments!

Only one entry per person but feel free to RETWEET this great giveaway and tell your friends.

Winners will be announced Monday after The Masters - no, Hootie and the Blowfish will not be playing at the announcement!

What else can you do to increase your chances? 

Follow MMOGolf on Twitter and add their handle to your tweets 

...and Like MMO Golf on Facebook, suppliers of great Masters Merchandise and the site responsible for this giveaway.


GOOD LUCK

What Will It Take to Win The Masters? #golf

Poor performances in previous golf events, nagging physical ailments and a fear that Augusta's bite will be ferocious are just a few of the elements in play before The Masters plays out next week. So, we ask our readers...what will it take to win The 2015 Masters Tournament...mental supremacy...physical toughness?

After a recent practice round, Tiger Woods is still undecided about whether or not he will attend The Masters; the internet is abuzz...should he? Nagging doubts, MC's and loss of touch are enough to make the back hurt even more!

While Tiger Woods is unsure of his game and physical condition, contenders like Jason Day are now using positive self-talk to gear up for the first major of the year.

Brimming with confidence, Day mentioned that his failures have made him stronger. Although there is, and will always be, pressure, the Aussie is learning how to handle it, focusing on diet, short game and an improved positive outlook.

Rory McIlroy, a 2015 Masters favorite, is looking forward to an elusive career grand-slam win next week, in spite of the albatross of a 2011 loss at the event...we'll not go into details here as golf fans must surely remember that horrifying collapse.

The good news for McIlroy is that, despite throwing a golf club into the water at Doral and negative self talk about his putting woes, he has mental pictures of fantastic finishes at the two final 2014 major events. Calling upon mental images of success will be needed next week although McIlroy will also need putting mastery in order to succeed - the physical act of rolling putts into the cup on Augusta greens is just as important.

"They're the toughest we face all year," McIlroy mentioned to Golf.com. "I don't know if it's intimidation; it's just you gotta think about them more. It does play on your mind more than other courses."

At the beginning of this golf blog we asked, "What will it take to win the Masters Tournament" and now we want to hear your answers.

Golf Digest places the green jacket on the golfer who can accurately bomb a great drive while finessing a putt into the cup. a man who remains in great physical shape while having a positive mental outlook....reads like a description of defending champion Bubba Watson?

Who is your pick to win The Masters and why? Voice your opinion on this Golf for Beginners blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners with hashtag #MastersWinner!

photo: Masters.com, linkslifegolf.com