Safer swinging

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Now that spring has arrived, more golfers will be hitting the links. But before that first swing, some precautions should be taken to help prevent injuries. The following are recommendations from the department of orthopedics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City:

Few people really like to stretch, but it’s necessary, to get ready for play. Spend five minutes stretching the shoulders, arms, torso and legs. Add some practice swings and you’ll increase blood flow to the extremities. (Here’s some good stretches from the Mayo Clinic.)

Carrying a heavy golf bag may prove that you’re tough, but it can also add a great deal of stress to the shoulders and back. Better to use a pull cart or golf cart.

Avoid divots. Creating a divot produces a sudden change in velocity that can cause enormous strain in the shoulders and may aggravate an existing shoulder condition.

Engage in a regular strength and conditioning routine to shore up the entire kinetic chain, including the legs, hips, back and abdominals. It will go a long way in improving distance, power and swing mechanics.

--Jeannine Stein