Golf is popular worldwide;according to one study, more than 50 million people of different age groups play the sport. Golf can impactmental and physical health positively, andit can increase players’ muscular endurance and stamina.
Although golf is perceived as a relativelyleisurely sport, golfers still get injured. The most commonlyaffected areas arethe lower back, which accounts for more than 18 percent of golfing injuries, elbows (more than 17 percent), feet and ankles (almost 13 percent), shoulders (almost 12 percent) andwrists.
“Golf is an excellent sport for people of all agesbut, like any other sport, the players are at risk of injury,” said Sebastien Gros, a professional golfer and memberof a French golf team,on a recent visit tonanoM – a unique, independent health assessment facility developed primarily for the world of professional sports.
“One injury can lead to another. If you injure your knee, the problem could also affectyour hips. It is important that a thorough analysis is performed to identify all problem areas. nanoM is ideal for professional sportsmen because it offers a comprehensive assessment of your condition and investigates any other underlying problems. The facility has everything you need. You can have an analysis of your entire body, both static and in motion,” Sebastian added.
Sebastian wasaccompanied by coach and sports manager Franck Lorenzo-Vera,professional golfers Gary Stal, Victor Riu, Benjamin Hebert and Frederic Lacroix and physical trainer and personal coach Benjamin Anorga.
Unlike other facilities, nanoM performs a comprehensive assessment of every sports injury. When experts assess golfers, they look for stiffness in the muscles, tendons and joints. nanoM’s advanced Sports and Human Performance Laboratory can help with the detection of both existing and potential medical problems.
According to Dr Herve Ouanezar, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at nanoM, golf is a great sportbut the majority of professional and upcoming golfers have experienced an injury at one point in their careers. In his view, the biggest issue is thatgolf players do not realise that they need good flexibility and strength in order to avoid injury.
“We have observed that most players who get injured do nothave a healthy diet, they do not get sufficient rest and they avoid warming up. A warm-up is crucial for any sport; it reduces the risk of injury. Rest is equally important; professional athletes usually take two days of rest,” said Dr Ouanezar.
Other factors that can contribute to golf injuries are poor swing mechanics, over-practice and incorrect grip.
To avoid golfing injuries, Dr Ouanezar recommends stretching.In his opinion, people who want to play the sport well shouldwarm-up with rotations of the hips, upper limbs and upper body and wrist circles.
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About nanoM
Based in Dubai, nanoM is a state-of-the-art performance and health assessment facility catering to professional athletes. An Emirates Healthcare Company, nanoM uses the latest technology to analyse health and fitness levels and identify and treat existing or potential injuries. The facility includes a movement analysis area with high definition cameras to monitor and analyse whole body motion. With a focus on a range of sports including football, golf, cricket, tennis, and mixed martial arts, nanoM provides comprehensive medical assessments. The first facility of its kind, nanoM clinic on Palm Jumeirah opened in November 2017.