What Causes Back Pain?
After many years of working with thousands of golfers, the most common issue I see in the clinic is low back pain, which some people often confuse with sciatica. Typically, lower back pain in golfers can be linked to posture issues. Weak abdominal and glute muscles can cause the lower back to arch, putting stress on the joints and leading to compression and pain across the middle of the back, though usually not extending down the legs.
What Are The Symptoms of back pain, and how to treat it?
When golfers experience lower back pain, they often develop pain in a nearby area called the sacroiliac (SI) joint. For golfers, this pain tends to occur more in the lead hip. During the backswing, the movement is slow and controlled, but as they swing through at speeds of 70 to 90 miles per hour, the lead hip becomes the brake. I often compare this to driving a Ferrari toward a brick wall—either you hit the brake or crash into the wall. If you keep crashing into the “wall” without proper mechanics, something will eventually break, and that “something” can be the SI joint.
To alleviate this, it’s important to correct posture and improve mobility in the lower back, as well as activate and strengthen the abdominal and glute muscles. Doing so helps control and prevent further lower back pain.
What are the Symptoms of Sciatica and why should you see a Golf Pain Expert about it?
Sciatica, on the other hand, is a different condition. The symptoms of true sciatica typically start in the lower back and radiate down into the buttock, sometimes even extending below the knee. Sciatica can cause aching, burning, or shooting pain, and while it might feel more serious, it needs to be treated differently than regular back pain.
Unfortunately, many people turn to “Dr. Google” for advice and end up with the wrong information, leading them to do stretches or exercises that may not address the real problem. That’s why it’s crucial to see a golf performance specialist for a proper assessment. I look at whether the issue is due to a lack of mobility in the lower back, weak abdominal or glute muscles, or compression on the sciatic nerve, each of which requires a different treatment approach.
How To treat Back Pain and Sciatica?
The good news is that there are natural ways to address these issues without relying on pills, back braces, or injections, which often serve as mere band-aids to the underlying problem. The key is to dig in and identify the root cause of the pain. Once we determine that, I can help you return to enjoying your social life, spending time with family, playing golf with friends, or even just doing activities like gardening – pain-free.
What makes Paul Hendricks Different?
Over the last 30 years, I have become known in the Austin area as “The Body Pro,” the leading golf-specific physical therapist and performance specialist. I’ve had countless people come to me from miles around seeking help. Many of these individuals had previously seen doctors and were told that surgery was their only option. In many cases, I’ve been able to help them avoid surgery altogether.
I’ve also worked with many people who have undergone surgery and were told they would never be able to play golf or enjoy the social activities they love again. I am proud to say that the majority of these individuals have returned to doing the things they enjoy, and they’ve become some of my most enthusiastic supporters.
What sets me apart at Body Balance Physical Therapy is the personalized and one-to-one care I provide. When you come to see me, I take the time to truly listen. I’ll sit down with you, giving you as much time as you need, so you feel heard and never rushed. I want to understand your entire story, from beginning to end, and consider anything you believe is relevant to your recovery. My goal is to help you make the most informed decision about your care. Sometimes physical therapy is the right choice, and sometimes it may not be, but I want to help you figure that out.
I also prioritize education. I take the time to explain what might be happening with your body, using models to clarify the issues, and I aim to empower you. I want to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to stop the pain and get back to your normal daily life and activities.
At Body Balance Physical Therapy, my philosophy is based on one-on-one care. You’ll always work with a licensed professional therapist, and because of that personalized attention, I see fast, long-lasting results. I help you get back to doing the things you love, and I do it with great success.
How Can People Find Out More About working with Paul Hendricks?
If you’re experiencing hip, knee, back, neck, or shoulder pain, we offer several free resources to help you manage it effectively at home.
The first option is to download one of my free pain reports available on this site. These reports are specific to various parts of the body and provide helpful tips to address common pain areas, such as neck pain, shoulder pain, or back pain, while also exploring how they impact golfers specifically.
Arrange a FREE Telephone Consultation
Another option is to schedule a free telephone consultation with me or my team. During this call, we can discuss what you’re dealing with, how long you’ve been suffering, and how your pain is affecting your daily activities. This will help us identify whether it’s a strength or mobility issue, and we can then discuss personalized treatment options that can get you the results you’re looking for.
You also have the opportunity to arrange a free discovery visit, which typically lasts for 20 minutes. These visits can be made either in person or over the phone if you’re outside the Austin area. Ideally, I encourage you to visit my clinic, where we can have a more detailed conversation about your pain, medical history, and past injuries. We’ll discuss what you’re struggling with and what activities you’d like to return to.
After understanding your story, I’ll determine the best next steps. This might involve a physical therapy evaluation if you’re dealing with an injury or a golf performance assessment to improve your strength, mobility, and overall quality of life.
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