The shoulder is the fourth-most-common place for golfers to suffer an injury, the Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation reports on its website, due to the repetitive motion required to swing a golf club. A majority of shoulder problems in golf are overuse injuries; tendinitis is one of the most common. Consult your doctor if you suspect you may have suffered a golf-related shoulder injury.
Tendinitis
Shoulder tendinitis is a frequent cause of pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, the Cleveland Clinic explains. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons that attach to the shoulder joint and arm. These muscles and tendons help to provide stability in the shoulder joint.The rotator cuff allows for movement of the shoulder and arm as you swing your golf club. Studies show that amateur golfers have a tendency to rely heavily on their rotator cuff as they swing their golf clubs, Hughston Sports Medicine adds. Due to overuse, the shoulder joint can become inflamed or irritated --- with shoulder tendinitis the end result.
Symptoms
The symptoms of tendinitis generally occur where the tendon meets the bone --- in the case of the shoulder, the rotator cuff. Pain, tenderness and swelling are all symptoms of tendinitis, the Mayo Clinic reports. The symptoms of tendinitis are more likely to flare up if you continue to play golf. You may also experience restricted movement or a burning sensation around your shoulder.
Treatment
Resting from golf is the first line of defense in treating shoulder tendinitis. If the pain has not subsided after a week, visit your doctor. The goal in treating tendinitis is to reduce the pain and joint inflammation. Doctors also strive to preserve mobility and prevent reoccurring tendinitis, the Cleveland Clinic explains. Initial doctor-prescribed treatments include splints and the application of heat or cold. Further treatment may include steroid injections, physical therapy and surgery --- but only if you do not respond to any conservative treatment options.
Prevention
Shoulder tendinitis is a problem golfers can easily be avoided, Hughston Sports Medicine advises. Beginning golfers should take lessons to learn to properly swing a golf club. A proper swing can help take pressure off of the shoulder muscles. As with any sport, warm-ups are an important part of the game of golf. A brief five- to seven-minute stretching session can help loosen up your muscles and get them ready to swing the club. You should also stretch after your round or time on the practice range.
