As a chiropractor I recommend exercise to all my patients, both the young and aging baby boomers alike. I get resistance from all ages, too! The young ones would rather play video games and many of my older patients suffer from the degenerative changes that lead to the pain of arthritis. But, getting the body moving can actually act as a pain reliever, increase flexibility, and help individuals to maintain their weight and improve their cardiovascular system. Exercise and play activities keep every body, no matter what age that body might be, in better health. So, for my older patients I advise that though they should never want to “play through” pain, mild exercise, including golf can actually help their arthritis symptoms, improve their balance, increase their strength and aid them in getting more mobility and range of motion.
In fact, the Arthritis Foundation has some tips for arthritic golfers that can help to make playing golf more enjoyable for those of you who suffer from arthritis. You can check out all of their suggestions at arthritis.org Stabilizing the joints in the hands and wrists is important, so wear wrist braces and gloves when playing golf. Wear golf shoes with no spikes for more comfort. Use tees when you play. It is very important to always warm up before playing golf or any other sport or physical activity. For golf, stretching muscles and a few practice swings are good. Warm up and start swinging slowly. Swing half-strength at first and don’t try to hit the ball too hard. A hard swing is not necessary, it is accuracy that is most important. When you begin to feel tired, rest a bit (It is not a rule that you have to play all 18 holes), and when you feel sore after you play, here are a few tips to relieve your pain and stiffness:- A warm shower can feel great on stiff muscles.
- Gently stretch your muscles.
- Apply an ice pack to any sore areas.
- Sore joints need to be rested.
- Magnetic therapy has been found to work.
For more help tips from the Arthritis Foundation, click on the link above. And, remember, your chiropractor is an excellent resource to help you get out of the and back into the game of life!
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