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When you’re first diagnosed with arthritis, deciding to keep golfing can seem like a brave or reckless choice. You need reassurance that your game won’t suffer, first of all. So do your golf partners, so they’ll feel comfortable inviting you to play regularly. But it’s also important to realize that the quality of your game doesn’t necessarily deteriorate as arthritis progresses.
Golf is a game many seniors enjoy. It’s also a game that can provide enjoyment for people with arthritis. Understanding what arthritis is, and its potential effects on golf can help you avoid panic and improve your ability to play this wonderful game.
Arthritis will have a greater impact on your golf grip than your swing, so the first thing you’ll need to do is figure out a comfortable way to hold the club. You can use a wide variety of attachments and accessories to help you hold the club comfortably, so don’t worry too much about that just yet.
Start With Warming Up
If you’re playing golf, it’s important to warm up before hitting the links. Research has shown that warming up reduces the likelihood of injury, and in some cases can be more effective than stretching. Most general warm-ups should include some variation of the following exercises: Home Stretch
While laying your face down on the floor, extended both arms above your head with palms facing down, is a good point to commence with.
Start by trekking for several moments to limber up. Stretch for five to ten minutes, focusing on your quadriceps (upper thighs) as well as back.
- Use Grips That Are Too Big For Your Hands
While golf is a fun-filled sport, it can also be a painful one if you have too small a grip. Arthritis grips for golfers are much bigger than the grips currently on your golf clubs, and they provide a cushion to your hand so that you don’t feel as much pain when gripping the club. They’re a simple switch that can do a lot for those with arthritis or those who experience pain from gripping too hard.
These extra grips will help cushion your hands and wrists while swinging, reducing joint fatigue and inflammation. The bigger, softer grips also absorb impact from an errant swing. If you have trouble with your grip during a match, this will soften the blow and decrease the likelihood of a mishit. For golfers who have weaker grips or hands, shock absorption is a blessing – you won’t have to worry about hand slippage.
Make A Swing Adjustment
The more you’re aware of your golf swing, the less likely you are to injure yourself playing. For instance, if you’ve injured your back before while playing, check your stance for any signs of bad form that could be causing you pain. Your swing is essential to the game of golf — it’s also essential for keeping your body healthy and safe. Your backswing should be slow, steady, and wide to avoid curving your back unnaturally. When you rotate your spine, you connect your body from top to bottom. In turn, this will keep you as balanced as possible. They can also help improve your timing and pace during your swing. These modifications will assist you in maintaining a healthy as well as a comfortable golf swing. If you suffer from arthritis but still enjoy playing golf, try focusing on your swing width instead of its length. The swing is a mechanical process, not something that requires inspiration. The key to accessing the full potential of this sport is to come up with a powerful swing that is easy on joints.
Graphite Shafts Are the Best Option
Don’t just take our word for it — sometimes an expert’s advice is exactly what the doctor ordered. And when you’re talking about golf, there are few more qualified than certified PGA professionals. They know golf equipment like the back of their hand and can help you make an informed decision about which shafts are right for your game.
Golf shafts made of graphite as well as metal serve distinct purposes. The architectural, engineering, and overall compositional distinctions seen between both can be linked to their respective histories. In general, graphite is a lighter material, weighing in at about 50% of the weight of steel. In addition to being lighter, graphite is also much more rigid than metal shafts — providing a clean shot with almost no vibrations coming up the handle.
You can experiment with both forms of shafts to find which one suits you best, although there is a considerable indication suggesting graphite shafts are preferable with arthritic golfers.
Low-Compression Balls Are Recommended
Compression is the most important factor in determining how far you will be able to hit a golf ball. The lower the compression, the more distance, and forgiveness you’ll find — especially if you’re playing on a firm or fast course (400-600 sand). High-compression balls are designed for players with fast swing speeds, while low-compression balls are best for golfers with slower swing speeds. Manufacturers compress a golf ball by removing air from the core of the ball to create a denser and harder cover that reduces spin and results in longer drives.
The latter are known for their ability to improve a player’s tee distance, which can help out on challenging holes, but they’re less effective at delivering a consistent ball flight. If you have arthritis, some compression balls can provide much-needed relief when gripping a golf club. The lower compression allows for a solid grip, even when hands are compromised by pain, making the game much easier to play.
Clubs That Is Longer and Lighter
Not only can lighter golf clubs be used for more practice sessions, but they are also less likely to cause scrapes and bruises when used outside. Longer golf club shafts help golfers correct their posture during the swing, not only reducing the chances of an undesirable outcome but also increasing the number of swings that can be used in a training session.
Try Golf Bags With Wheels Or Motors:
Your golf game instantly improves when it’s easier to move about the course. When you’re not weighed down by your bag, you’ll be able to play with greater freedom and less fatigue. With BAGS Caddie, you get a back-friendly bag that distributes weight evenly across your upper body, so it’s easy (and comfortable) to carry for an entire 18 holes.
Tees with More Length
If you’re looking for some more length on your clubs, try some of these extension clubheads. They are designed to extend the length of your club by a few centimeters, making each swing that much more powerful! And not only does it help you hit that monster drive, but wood clubs are also designed with an emphasis on comfort. The use of wood allows for flexibility, which helps you stand up straight and swing your club with peace of mind. With these clubs, you’re getting more than just a simple golf club; you’re getting the benefits of healthy joints that last for years to come!
Walking Shoes Of Excellent Standard, Potentially With orthopedic support:
When walking on a lush green lawn, you have to be careful of two things: the low temperatures and the slippery grass. A good pair of shoes can keep your feet warm and dry. To prevent falling over, though, you need more than just a sturdy pair of shoes — you also need orthopedic insoles. This helps relieve pressure from your joints and bones while providing shock absorption.
When you’re walking around, orthopedic insoles will also help prevent unnecessary friction and friction blisters.
