Don’t Let Joint Replacements Stand in the Way of Golfing
Is arthritis stopping your enjoyment of golf? Have you recently had a joint replacement and are wondering when you get on the course again? At Coast Rehab, our team of physical therapists is highly skilled at treating all total joint replacements. We know how to get your motion and strength back so you can swing a club and get back to doing what you love!
Total joint replacements are some of the most cost-effective and successful surgeries in the US. The advancements in technology and rehabilitation have made this an excellent option for people looking to get and/or stay active.
According to recent research, more than one million joint replacements are performed annually in the US. Total knee and hip replacements make up the vast majority of these surgeries, but the shoulder replacement outcomes continue to improve and are performed more regularly.
As we continue to age and as more younger people opt for these surgeries, the number is expected to increase to nearly four million by 2030. Fortunately, our team at Coast Rehab is prepared to help in any way we can.
Whether you have had a total knee replacement (TKA), a total hip replacement (THR), or a shoulder replacement, our team can help you recover from the surgery and get back swinging the clubs!
Benefits of joint replacements and golfing
The impact of arthritis on an individual is not just limited to the joint itself. Losing function in hip and knee joints impairs gait, balance, and everyday tasks like getting on and off the toilet or getting in and out of a car. The risks associated with arthritis include severe consequences to the overall health and fall risks.
Total joint replacements effectively alleviate pain and restore the quality of life for most people who have these types of surgeries. Although there is still conflicting evidence regarding whether or not participating in sports following a joint replacement is safe, recent research points to golf as a safe option.
Golf may not only be safe after a joint replacement, but it may also improve overall function in everyday life. The coordination required to swing a club effectively seems to have carried over, including improving coordination and balance with gait and other functional activities.
The primary type of joint replacements include:
Hip replacement: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most consistently successful surgeries performed in orthopedics. During this surgery, the head (ball) of the femur (thigh bone) is replaced with an artificial head, and the joint surface of the acetabulum (socket) is replaced with a bowl-shaped artificial joint surface.
THAs provide pain relief and improved function for people suffering from end-stage degenerative hip osteoarthritis.
Knee replacement: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a very common orthopedic surgery involving the replacement of the articular (joint) surfaces. The knee joint is made by the femoral condyles (end of the thigh bone) and tibial plateau (top of the shin bone). These two surfaces are replaced with smooth metal and sturdy plastic to make the new joint surfaces.
Total knee replacements provide pain relief, improved joint motion, and improved function for severe degenerative arthritis.
Shoulder replacement: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is a surgical procedure that replaces diseased (arthritic) or damaged (fractured) ball and socket joint of the shoulder. The socket is replaced with a polyethylene (plastic) surface, and the ball (head of arm bone/humerus) is replaced with metal components.
The most common indication for a shoulder replacement is pain due to severe degeneration or a severe fracture at or near the joint. The goal of the surgery is to help alleviate pain and improve joint range of motion, both of which help improve overall function.
Regardless of the type of joint replacement you have had, our team knows how to help. We will work with you to improve your range of motion, strength, coordination, and overall function. In addition, we can guide you back to activities like golf when possible so you can swing with confidence again!
How physical therapy can help you golf after a total joint replacement
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to have joint replacement surgery. One of the most critical factors is your rehabilitation. Having a physical therapist with expertise in post-operative rehab and golf swing mechanics is the key to a successful outcome. At Coast Rehab, we routinely work with golfers helping them get back on the course doing what they love!
Golf is a popular activity that can help you stay moderately active and mentally sharp. The requirements of walking during a round of golf may contribute to a superior outcome after surgery. In addition, research has shown that returning to golf may contribute to the perception of a healthier state with improved overall well-being.
Our physical therapist will work closely with you to help you achieve your maximum range of motion following surgery, which is needed for proper swing mechanics, no matter what joint you had surgery on.
In addition, our team understands the importance of strength and coordination training to make sure you are prepared for the demands of repetitive swinging needed on the golf course. Most golfers find they can swing better after surgery, with a large percentage driving the ball further.
The research is clear, returning to golf after surgery is good for your physical and mental health and will improve your overall well-being. Our team will help you get the results you are looking for! We will educate you on maintaining your improvements with a home routine and a dynamic warm-up tailored to your individual needs.
What to expect in physical therapy
At Coast Rehab, we are experts at treating joint replacements and golfers. We will conduct a thorough evaluation that assesses your range of motion, strength, and current functional abilities. This information will help us identify all the factors limiting your function.
Our initial treatments typically include pain-relieving strategies, including manual therapy, joint mobilizations, and swelling reduction strategies. We will emphasize elevation and compression to minimize the impact of swelling and allow you to restore your mobility as quickly as possible.
As you improve, our exercise instruction and education will shift to a more active rehabilitation focus, emphasizing strength, balance, and coordination drills. This progression will prepare you for the demands of swinging the golf club repeatedly.
Our goal is to help you achieve your goals and improve your function!
Request an appointment at Coast Rehab today!
No matter what type of joint replacement you have, our team of physical therapists has proven successful and can help you maximize your results so you can hit the links sooner than later!
Contact Coast Rehab today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists!
Sources:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/03635465211064292
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204271/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34085837/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1045452721001395