A new Approach for 2002
To Play Pain Free Golf!
by Dr. Howard D. Fern, Chiropractor

There are various reasons why golfers can have injuries.  First, one must
remember that golf is a sport that usages a level of muscle exertion that is
close to playing baseball or football.  Unfortunately, most golfers do not
properly condition themselves to play this game.  Without conditioning the
golfer is setting the stage for having injuries.

Lets talk about some facts:
The average baseball pitcher throws the ball 90mph.  The average club head
speed of an amateur golfer is 90mph.  I would like to see if any of the
readers could consistently throw a ball 90mph. But the amateur golfer
attempts this activity every time they golf. The golfer drives the ball
approximately 45 times during a round of golf.  When driving the ball, the
golfer uses 90% of peek muscular activity to perform this task.  This type
of muscular activity is equal to lifting a weight that you could only lift 4
times before fatigue.  Did you know that 30% of all professional golfers
play injured?  I wonder how high the number is for amateur golfers who do
not train there bodies or take care of their injuries.  The number one
injury in golfers is the lower back, then the shoulder, elbow, wrist and
neck.

Most amateur golfers feel that they can play better with a new high tech
club or a new improved golf ball.  The truth is that you may hit the ball
longer, but without proper golf conditioning or instruction how long can you
play with pain.  It is important to make sure that you have proper
biomechanics with you swing.  But many of us, who are under conditioned, are
not able to perform these movements due to lack of flexibility, strength and
/or joint injury.  So I challenge you to become a better golfer through
conditioning and instruction.  At our clinic we work with your golf
professional and evaluate your posture as well as all the important joints
in your body to make sure your body is able to withstand the stress of
playing.  After an evaluation, a conditioning plan that includes flexibility
and strength training, physiotherapy and chiropractic care will be
implemented.  The most important aspect of this care is that you will learn
how to perform this system for home use.  If you want to play better golf
make your body better first, not your equipment.  Have a great time golfing
in 2002 and enjoy the beautiful golf courses in Arizona. If you have any
injury concerns, feel free to call my clinic and I will consult with you
regarding your problem.

Dr. Howard D. Fern is a chiropractor with offices in Mesa and the Northeast
Phoenix who takes a special interest in golf and sport injuries.  He has
been practicing in the valley for 8 years and treats amateurs, semi
professionals and professional golfers.  He can be reached at 480-649-5868.

For more information, call (602) 996-9300 to reach Dr. Howard D. Fern,
Chiropractor, whose offices are located in Mesa and Paradise Valley. Dr.
Fern takes a special interest in preventing and treating sports injuries