The rotator cuff, a group of muscles in the shoulder could be what is sabotaging your golf swing - read on, to find out more!
The shoulder girdle comprises the shoulder blade, collarbone and the humerus of the upper arm. The rotator cuff comprises muscles that attach to the scapula at one end and at different points of the humerus at the other.
How The Rotator Cuff Acts During The Golf Swing
The information below applies to golfers who are right handed. The reverse applies those who are left-handed.
Firstly, it is important to understand a little about action of the different muscles of the rotator cuff.
1. The Subscapularis acts to rotate the shoulder inwards
2. The contraction of the Supraspinatus muscle lifts the arm out sideways
3. The Infraspinatus muscle acts to rotate the shoulder out in conjunction with the Teres Minor muscle
Many of these muscles also help to lower the arm and to bring the shoulder back.
During The Backswing
At the beginning of the backswing, the supraspinatus muscle lifts the arm up. Trapezius muscles are also involved in lifting the shoulders. Any inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon, bursae or other structures in the shoulder will decrease the effectiveness of the backswing due to pain or inflammation.
The infraspinatus and teres minor muscles rotate the right shoulder outwards. If there is any weakness here, or any shortening of the subscapularis the range of external rotation is reduced.
The subscapularis rotates the left shoulder inwards. Any weakness here or problems with the infraspinatus and/or teres minor will adversely affect this movement.
During the Forward Swing
During the forward swing the actions of the rotator cuff described above, work in reverse. In addition, the serratus anterior, the shoulder muscle that attaches the scapula to the ribcage will be very active in the right arm.
During the Follow Through
The rotator cuff continues the same patterns of movement in the follow through. The subscapularis is working to move the right shoulder into an inward rotation and the infraspinatus and teres minor are working to move the left shoulder into an external rotation. Distortion of the swing occurs if there is any weakness or shortening in either of these muscles.
The rotator cuff is also important in bringing the movement of a swing to a halt, failure to do so can cause a series of micro injuries or one, major injury resulting in damage to the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
How Spinescan Treats Rotator Cuff Injuries
Perth Chiropractor, Adam Rocchi, uses a state-of-the-art system called Trigenics at his SpineScan practice. This helps him in his evaluation and treatment of rotator cuff injuries using brain-based and spinal cord reflexes to strengthen weakened muscles and to lengthen shortened ones.
Dr Rocchi explains that most golfers do not even realize that they could be putting themselves at risk of injury and compromising their sporting performance because of a neuro-muscular dysfunction.
Are you a golfer who has already picked up a shoulder injury, or one who knows exactly how to perform a good swing but muscular length/strength problems are holding you back? If so, call Spinescan today, on (08) 61508785 Scarborough or (08) 61508783 Mount Pleasant and arrange your first appointment - we may be able to help you knock some strokes off your handicap!
The shoulder girdle comprises the shoulder blade, collarbone and the humerus of the upper arm. The rotator cuff comprises muscles that attach to the scapula at one end and at different points of the humerus at the other.
How The Rotator Cuff Acts During The Golf Swing
The information below applies to golfers who are right handed. The reverse applies those who are left-handed.
Firstly, it is important to understand a little about action of the different muscles of the rotator cuff.
1. The Subscapularis acts to rotate the shoulder inwards
2. The contraction of the Supraspinatus muscle lifts the arm out sideways
3. The Infraspinatus muscle acts to rotate the shoulder out in conjunction with the Teres Minor muscle
Many of these muscles also help to lower the arm and to bring the shoulder back.
During The Backswing
At the beginning of the backswing, the supraspinatus muscle lifts the arm up. Trapezius muscles are also involved in lifting the shoulders. Any inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon, bursae or other structures in the shoulder will decrease the effectiveness of the backswing due to pain or inflammation.
The infraspinatus and teres minor muscles rotate the right shoulder outwards. If there is any weakness here, or any shortening of the subscapularis the range of external rotation is reduced.
The subscapularis rotates the left shoulder inwards. Any weakness here or problems with the infraspinatus and/or teres minor will adversely affect this movement.
During the Forward Swing
During the forward swing the actions of the rotator cuff described above, work in reverse. In addition, the serratus anterior, the shoulder muscle that attaches the scapula to the ribcage will be very active in the right arm.
During the Follow Through
The rotator cuff continues the same patterns of movement in the follow through. The subscapularis is working to move the right shoulder into an inward rotation and the infraspinatus and teres minor are working to move the left shoulder into an external rotation. Distortion of the swing occurs if there is any weakness or shortening in either of these muscles.
The rotator cuff is also important in bringing the movement of a swing to a halt, failure to do so can cause a series of micro injuries or one, major injury resulting in damage to the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Insufficiencies in neuro-muscular tone and poor golf technique are the prime causes of repeated injuries to the structures of the shoulders.
- Degenerative problems, especially in the supraspinatus area can also increase the possibility of an injury.
- Jarring the club by taking too much dirt, hitting a tree root or large stone can all cause an injury or tear to the rotator cuff.
How Spinescan Treats Rotator Cuff Injuries
Perth Chiropractor, Adam Rocchi, uses a state-of-the-art system called Trigenics at his SpineScan practice. This helps him in his evaluation and treatment of rotator cuff injuries using brain-based and spinal cord reflexes to strengthen weakened muscles and to lengthen shortened ones.
Dr Rocchi explains that most golfers do not even realize that they could be putting themselves at risk of injury and compromising their sporting performance because of a neuro-muscular dysfunction.
Are you a golfer who has already picked up a shoulder injury, or one who knows exactly how to perform a good swing but muscular length/strength problems are holding you back? If so, call Spinescan today, on (08) 61508785 Scarborough or (08) 61508783 Mount Pleasant and arrange your first appointment - we may be able to help you knock some strokes off your handicap!