Self-myofascial release is extremely beneficial in helping golfers increase rotation during the swing, relieve low back pain, golfers’ elbow and more; bottom line is, the better the mobility/flexibility the more control you have in the golf swing and less likely to result in injury such as low back, hip pain or sciatica.
Since the golf swing is a complex “whole body” movement, one cannot separate treating an injury as if they were separate from the rest of the body. The human body is designed to move in space in one flowing pattern, (such as the golf swing) not separated by its parts.
Don’t be fooled by the “old” form of myofascial release which, is outdated with only limited results. The latest form is The John F. Barnes Approach to Myofascial Release (Which is what we use) The old form pushes through the pain using brute force and moving too fast into the tissue. When the body is addressed in this manner, it activates the sympathetic nervous system creating a defense mechanism called “fight or flight” meaning, the body thinks it is under attack and protecting itself therefore, you will not release the myofascial restrictions that are causing pain. The body is subconsciously contracting (tightening) for protection.
The best approach to increase flexibility is to use gentle, sustained pressure into the area of tissue, for a minimum of 5 minutes. This creates a piezoelectric (melting)effect that will not only loosen up tight areas but, positively effects other parts of the body.
Regardless, if you’re a pro golfer or amateur golfer the repetition of the golf swing will eventually create wear and tear on your body. Therefore, it is imperative to do self – myofascial release stretches daily. Here are a couple of self – myofascial stretches you can do at home before getting on the course to free up tight muscles for the low back, hips and ribcage. (this helps increase rotation)
The benefits of myofascial release stretching for golf…
- Increase spinal and hip rotation
- Improve flexibility/mobility
- Reduce Pain
- Relieve muscle spasm
- Break up Scar Tissue
- Increase blood flow and circulation
- Prevent injury
- Injury treatment
- Clearer mind/focus