New golf program targets players with joint, muscular problems
As PGA golf tournaments resumed around the world this week, big-name golfers as well as recreational players are once more practicing their swings and putting on courses in Silicon Valley. For some of these players, getting back to golf means a little more than just a practice round or two with their favorite foursome.
Golfers whose games have been halted by joint replacement, shoulder pain or stiffness, arthritis, or even spinal surgery now have an opportunity to learn to golf safely, thanks to a pilot program at El Camino Hospital Saturday, Tuesday and Sept. 26.
A free presentation by Michele Moy, physical therapist and golfer, will introduce a program that teaches golfers how to maintain integrity in their “new” joints, targets problem joints with specific exercises, and helps them regain flexibility lost due to illness or lack of use.
Spearheaded by Rehabilitation Services Manager Stephanie Hannaford, a physical therapist, the new golf rehabilitation program is designed specifically to help golfers who have had surgical orthopedic procedures, as well as those who experience pain or stiffness from degenerative conditions.
“Using our knowledge of orthopedics, conditioning and golf biomechanics, we can retrain golfers in safe and effective ways,” Hannaford said. “They can learn how to exercise so they can get back on the golf course and participate in their sport of choice.”
El Camino Hospital’s outpatient physical therapists have designed the golf program so players can improve their game safely. Although the program is not physical therapy per se (and is NOT covered by insurance payments for treatment), the outpatient staff will contact the program participants’ doctors at their request.
Initial aspects of the program will be at the YMCA, followed by later sessions in Cuesta Park, both adjacent to El Camino Hospital.
“There is no reason for golfers to give up golf if they have the proper retraining,” Hannaford said.
Hannaford expects orthopedic surgeons, golf professionals in clubs or retail stores, and people who have had total hip or knee replacements, shoulder surgery or spine surgery to attend the first clinic. She emphasizes that the presentation is free and open to the public for anyone who wants to start or restart golf but may be worried about the physical requirements.
At the recent El Camino Heritage Invitational golf tournament to benefit the hospital, players received a brochure on stretching exercises for golf warm-up. “This brochure introduces some of the exercises that golfers can use to limber up before play,” Hannaford said.
Moy’s introduction is scheduled at three convenient times: 11 a.m.-noon, Saturday; 7-8 p.m., Tuesday; or 12:15-1 p.m., Sept. 26. The sessions will be held at El Camino Hospital Rehabilitation Services, Park Pavilion, 2nd Floor, 2400 Grant Rd. in the YMCA Building. For more information, call 940-7285 or logon to www.elcaminohospital.org.
