Golf and walking injuries in older adults

Casey's population is growing at every age, and we see a lot of active adults over 55 who walk and play golf regularly. Both are excellent for long-term health, and both produce a fairly predictable set of complaints that are very treatable.

The golf back

The golf swing loads the lumbar spine in rotation and extension simultaneously at speed. In players over 55, reduced hip and thoracic rotation means the lower back supplies range it was not designed to provide. Improving rotation above and below the lumbar spine usually helps more than treating the back itself — see low back pain.

Golf elbow and shoulder

Medial elbow pain from the swing and the occasional fat shot is common. So is shoulder pain in the lead arm at the top of the backswing, particularly where shoulder rotation has reduced with age. Our shoulder pain page covers assessment.

Walking, hips and knees

Hip and knee osteoarthritis is common in this age group, and walking is one of the best things for it — but pain that builds over a walk and lingers into the evening suggests the load needs adjusting rather than abandoning. Shorter, more frequent walks often work far better than one long one.

Feet

Plantar heel pain and forefoot pain increase with age as the fat pad under the heel thins and calf capacity reduces. Footwear matters more than it did at 30. See foot pain.

Balance

Worth raising even when it is not the presenting problem. Single-leg balance declines measurably from the sixties, and it is trainable. We include it routinely for older patients because falls prevention matters more than any single joint.

What a first appointment looks like

We start with what actually happened and what the demands of your sport are, then assess the injured area alongside the joints and muscles above and below it — because the painful structure is often not the limiting one. You get a diagnosis, a realistic timeframe, and a plan that accounts for your training and match schedule rather than assuming you can stop. If we think you need imaging or another practitioner, we will say so at that first visit rather than after six sessions.

Booking in

We are at 5/6-8 Langmore Lane, Berwick, with street parking directly outside and same-week appointments most weeks. Initial consultations are 60 minutes and $149, with private health rebates processed on the spot via HICAPS. No referral is required, and we also work with WorkCover, DVA and Medicare care plans where they apply.

Book an initial consultation at RISE Sports & Spinal in Berwick. Clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and a plan that actually gets you better.