Angus Lally, Senior Physiotherapist & TPI Accredited Golf Swing Assessor
A lot of golfers finish a round feeling fine, and then their back starts to tighten up later that day. It might not show up straight away. Sometimes it’s that dull ache later that evening, or stiffness the next morning that takes a while to loosen up.
For a lot of golfers, it becomes something you just expect after playing. But it’s not something you have to put up with, and in my experience, there’s likely a reason it’s happening.
The good news? In many cases, golf-related back pain can be addressed once you understand what’s driving it, and that’s where a physio assessment can help.
The Mechanics Behind Your Golf Swing
There’s a reason lower back pain is so common amongst golfers: your swing places a significant amount of rotational stress on the spine. The golf swing is one of the fastest rotational movements in sport. The average PGA tour player’s trunk turns at a rate of nearly 20 full (360°) rotations per second.
During a swing the body generates power and movement from the ground up, and that movements gets faster at it transfers from the ground to your hips, through the trunk and arms, and finally the club.
If one link of chain is off, or a bit restricted, the lower back will compensate. Over time, that repeated stress can lead to stiffness, flare ups or persistent pain.
The 3 Most Common Causes of Back Pain in Golfers
Limited Hip Rotation
Your hips play a major role in generating power and allowing the body to rotate during the swing. If there is any stiffness in this area, or a lack rotation, your body often compensates by twisting more through the lower back, which increases strain on your lumbar spine. After playing a full round of golf this way, it’s little wonder lower back pain shows up.
Poor Upper Back Mobility
The thoracic spine (the upper and mid back) also need to rotate smoothly during your golf swing. When this area becomes stiff, which often occurs as a result of desk work or a lack of mobility, your lower back again picks up the slack.
Lack of Core Stability
The core muscles help control rotation and stabilise the spine during the swing. If these muscles aren’t working effectively, the lower back can overloaded – particularly during powerful swings or when fatigue sets in late in the round.
Signs Your Body Might Be Affecting Your Golf Swing
Many golfers assume their back discomfort is simply part of the game, but there are often clear signs that movement limitations may be involved.
For example, you might notice:
- stiffness or soreness after a round
- discomfort when rotating through your swing
- tightness through the lower back during follow-through
- pain that gradually worsens the more you play
- you start losing distance from your swing
If this sounds familiar, it may be worth looking beyond technique and considering how your body is moving during the swing.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Golfers
As any golfer would know, the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) are world leaders in golf mechanics, performance and rehabilitation. As a physio with a love for the game, I completed my TPI accreditation in 2025, enabling me to identify the movement patterns and physical limitations that may be contributing to your discomfort or performance.
A TPI golf swing assessment involves:
- comprehensive mobility screening
- core strength and control
- balance and movement patterns
- how these factors influence your swing (swing assessment)
The goal isn’t just to treat pain, but to help golfers move more efficiently and reduce stress on the spine. Ideally keeping them playing better, for longer!
Once your swing has been thoroughly assessed, physio treatment might include:
- mobility work for the hips and upper back
- strength and stability exercises to address identified limitations
- golf-specific movement training (swing modifications)
- advice on managing training and playing loads
When Should You See a Physio?
If you’re experiencing persistent back pain during or after a round of golf or a session at the driving range, I would encourage you to come in for a consult. Particularly if the pain:
- keeps returning
- affects your swing
- limits how often you can play
- worsens during a round
Early assessment often makes it easier to address the underlying issue before it becomes a frustrating or long-lasting injury.
You can learn more about golf physiotherapy here, or atch me at our Leeming clinic on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or Palmyra on Tuesday and Thursday. Appointments can be booked online here or by calling the clinics.
