Golf Physical Therapy
Golf physical therapy looks at the body behind your swing. At Elevate615, Carl Haley, a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified physical therapist, pairs a golf movement screen with one-on-one treatment and golf-specific strength work for golfers in Franklin, Brentwood, Cool Springs and Nashville, Tennessee. It is for golfers with back, shoulder, hip, elbow or neck pain, and for golfers who want more distance and consistency.
Where golfers hurt, and what usually sits behind it
When one area loses mobility or strength, the body compensates, and that is often when pain begins. We look for the cause rather than only the sore spot.
Low back pain during or after golf
One of the most common complaints. See back pain.
- Limited thoracic mobility
- Hip mobility restrictions
- Core weakness
- Limited rotational control
Shoulder pain in the follow-through
Often from rotator cuff overload, poor scapular control, thoracic stiffness or limited mobility. See shoulder pain.
Hip pain in the backswing
Restricted hips can lead to early extension, lost distance, back pain and an inconsistent swing. See hip pain.
Elbow pain: golfer’s and tennis elbow
Repeated swings stress the elbow and forearm. We combine manual therapy, strengthening, mobility work and swing-specific changes.
Neck pain and stiffness
Limited neck and thoracic mobility makes posture and rotation harder to control. Care restores movement while building strength and posture. See neck pain.
When lessons are not enough
Many golfers assume they have a technique problem when a physical limit is keeping them out of the positions their instructor asks for. Sometimes a swing fault is the workaround your body found.
Hips and mid-back
Hips drive the swing and the thoracic spine supplies much of the rotation. When either is restricted, the low back and shoulders pick up the slack.
Core and shoulders
Mobility gets you into position; core stability lets you control it. Limited shoulder mobility shows up in the backswing and follow-through.
Ankles
Often overlooked, ankle mobility influences balance, weight transfer and lower-body mechanics.
What the golf assessment looks at
It starts with a TPI Level 1 screen, a head-to-toe movement screen designed for golfers, and covers four areas.
- Mobility: hips, thoracic rotation, shoulders and ankles
- Stability: core, single-leg balance and rotational control
- Strength: power production, ground force generation and functional movement capacity
- Golf-specific patterns: swing limitations, injury risk factors and performance bottlenecks
Golf performance training, once pain is addressed
Increase club head speed
Build strength and power safely to support more distance.
Improve rotational mobility
A more efficient swing with less compensation.
Build golf-specific strength
Train the muscles most responsible for generating power and controlling the swing.
Reduce injury risk
Keep your body resilient through the season.
★★★★★
“Elevate615 has been amazing! In just 5 weeks I go from barely being able to lift my arm thinking surgery is inevitable, to playing golf with no pain! Nate has been awesome! …”
Treatment that fits around the swing
Golf care at Elevate615 can include dry needling, laser treatment, mobility programs and performance training, all one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We often work alongside your swing coach.
Rotation also depends on the pelvic floor, a link many athletes overlook; our blog explains it. If you have pain in other places, our sports injury page covers more.
Questions from golfers
Can physical therapy improve my golf swing?
It can. Many swing faults trace back to mobility restrictions, strength deficits and movement limits, and improving how your body moves can support a more efficient, consistent swing.
Can physical therapy increase club head speed?
It may. Mobility training, strength development and power-focused programming are aimed at more speed and distance, though results vary from golfer to golfer.
Do I need to be injured to benefit?
No. Many golfers use a TPI assessment and golf performance training before anything hurts, to improve their game and lower the chance of a future injury.
I have back pain when I golf. Can you help?
Low back pain is one of the most common problems we see in golfers. The assessment helps tell whether it starts in the hips, the thoracic spine, the core or the swing itself.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a physician referral to start physical therapy at Elevate615: Tennessee allows direct access. If longer care later needs a physician involved, we coordinate with them.
Golf physical therapy care in Franklin, Brentwood and Nashville
Elevate615 treats golf physical therapy at our Franklin clinic in Cool Springs, and we also see patients at our Brentwood and Nashville clinics. Golfers also come to us from Cool Springs and across Williamson County.
You do not need a physician referral to start physical therapy at Elevate615: Tennessee allows direct access. If longer care later needs a physician involved, we coordinate with them.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.