GOLF INJURY TREATMENT IN GREENVILLE, SC

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Nelson, DC, MHRD, ATC, chiropractor and certified athletic trainer · Last updated November 2026

Golf injuries most often affect the low back, elbow, shoulder, hip and wrist, and many come from the body compensating for limited rotation in the hips or upper back during the swing. At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic in downtown Greenville, SC, we find out what's hurting and why, and build a plan to keep you on the course.

A golf mobility exercise our doctors often use. Check with your provider before starting new exercises.

Golf injuries we treat

Low back pain: the most common golf complaint, often from repeated rotation and bending
Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow: pain on the inside or outside of the elbow with gripping and impact
Shoulder and rotator cuff pain: pain at the top of the backswing or follow-through
Hip pain: pain or stiffness that limits your turn
Neck pain, wrist pain, and sciatica that flares after a round

Why golfers get hurt

The golf swing is one of the fastest rotational movements in sports. When the hips or upper back don't rotate well, the low back, shoulder or elbow often pick up the slack. Common contributors include a jump in rounds or range sessions, early-season play after time off, poor warm-up, grip pressure, and loss of strength and mobility with age.

Get checked promptly if you have:

back pain with leg numbness, tingling or weakness,
new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels (go to the ER),
a pop with swelling or weakness in the shoulder or elbow, or
chest pain, shortness of breath or arm pain during play (call 911).

How we help golfers

A golf-focused exam: hip, upper-back and shoulder rotation, balance, strength, and the area that hurts. We take in-office X-rays when clinically indicated.
Hands-on care: chiropractic care, Active Release Technique and dry needling
Tendon care: shockwave therapy or laser therapy when clinically appropriate, often for golfer's elbow
Mobility and strength for the swing: a progressive program for hip and upper-back rotation, core and grip
A return-to-golf plan: range and round limits, warm-up routine, and when to progress

Golf injury FAQs

Can a chiropractor help with golf-related back pain?

Yes. Care for golf-related back pain usually combines a thorough exam, hands-on treatment, and exercises to improve hip and upper-back rotation so the low back isn't doing too much of the work.

Should I keep playing golf with pain?

Often you can keep playing with changes, such as fewer range balls, more warm-up, or a shorter swing for a while. We'll help you decide what to keep, what to modify and when to progress.

Do you change my golf swing?

We're not swing coaches. We assess how your body moves and what's limiting your rotation, then treat and train those areas. Many golfers also work with their pro or coach on swing changes at the same time.

What's a good warm-up before a round?

A few minutes of movement for the hips, upper back and shoulders, followed by easy swings that build up in speed, prepares the body better than static stretching alone. We can give you a short routine that fits your needs.

Is golfer's elbow only caused by golf?

No. Golfer's elbow is an overload of the forearm tendons on the inside of the elbow, and it's often caused by gripping, lifting or repetitive work, not just golf.

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If you’re ready to get on the road to recovery, reach out to our chiropractic care team in downtown Greenville to discuss your options. And, if your injury or condition does not fit our methods, we will find a provider that can.

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