Golf is the ultimate test of coordination
Golf is unlike any other sport in terms of mental control and discipline. It is less credited, however, for the physical challenges that it presents. Sure it is low-impact, but our bodies are also being asked to perform a completely unique movement that requires an intense amount of integration between disparate moving parts. It requires fine-tuned coordination between the central nervous and musculoskeletal systems, also known as motor control.
Chiropractic’s role in motor control
What are the different moving parts involved in the golf swing, and how can we coordinate them more effectively? Take a look at your favorite golfer’s swing and ask yourself why they can make such an awkward motion look so natural. It is because they have spent years and millions of swings fine tuning the coordination between brain, muscles and joints. Here are the parts that need to be integrated:
- Upper body: the upper extremities and shoulder joints provide for ballistic movements
- Core: the muscles in the middle of the body stabilize the transfer of forces as you move from back swing to follow through.
- Hips: your hips generate an enormous amount of power through well-timed rotation.
- Lower body: creates a fluid transition from back swing to follow through using a pivot motion.
All of these motions can create local and systemic stresses which move the spine out of alignment, pressurize spinal nerves and threaten your body’s fine motor control skills. Spinal adjustments seeks to undo the systemic stresses that threaten our coordination. By alleviating impingment from the spinal nerves, your nervous system and musculoskeletal system are able to work more effectively together to support the finest motor control requirements inherent in your golf swing.
Golfing your best game with chiropractic
A further consideration is range of motion. If all of these parts are going to be able to perform the action you require of them, they are going to need full range of motion. Chiropractic focuses on improving ROM in joints throughout the body., so that you can maximize your natural advantage on the course. If you are interested in adding chiropractic treatment to your golf game this spring, give our office in Ramsey a call to schedule an appointment today.
