We can break down the golf swing to develop some key exercises in each phase to the swing to prevent injury. In Phase I (take-away) concentrate on the muscles of the wrist, hand and forearm. Wrist exercises include using a 5 lb dumbell and doing flexion/extension exercises and ulnar/radial deviation exercises.
In Phase 2 (impact) which consists of the downswing and impact with the ball - most injuries are caused by stress on the back knee and compression forces acting on the wrists. Stretching of the legs is essential and exercises involving leg curls and extensions and abduction/adduction exercises. Massage is also very helpful. Exercising and strengthening the triceps with stabilize the elbow and help prevent injury.
In Phase 3 (follow through) of the swing, there is abdominal torque which can cause injury to the lower back. The best exercises for this phase of the swing is to do core exercises which will stabilize your trunk.
Warming up with stretches and brisk walk before your round will also help injuries. Cool down exercises after the round can also reduce injuries.
The average amateur has no warm up or stretching protocols for golf. They are swinging the club with violent, intermittent effort - grip it and rip it golf swing - add this to varied amounts of pre-existing postural dysfunction and poor flexibility it is no wonder so many become injured.
On a brighter note, my future mother in law just got her first hole in one at the age of 71 after only taking up golf 2 years ago!!!
You can read the full article at http://www.toyourhealth.com/. Also log on to my website for complete videos of exercises.
