Imagine the striking speed of a black mamba bite – the sheer velocity and power! Not so dissimilar to the force and tensile strength of a golf swing or tennis serve. This last month, we witnessed the explosive and very spectacular US open. Up next we build up to the riveting Ryder cup. Two magnificent events that have enhanced the sporting popularity ten fold!
To discuss the explosive nature and intrinsic mechanics of a golf swing or tennis serve cannot possibly be discussed in a blog… just the initial knowledge that the swing mechanics can lead to speeds of 180mph for tennis is sheer enough debate on how volatile the torsion is on a spine. Inclusive of the tennis serve, fast bowling action, golf swing and swift gymnastics, few other motions create the same amount of stress and tension on the human spine.
In terms of discussing prevention and long term injury, so much detailed research has been conducted to strengthen the core and enhance spinal dynamics of the sporting individual. Research has shown that aggressive and corrective postural alignment and focused swing mechanics, can overall decrease repetitive swing mechanical injury and avoid conditions like stress fractures which in some cases can lead to spinal surgery, and in severe cases end ones career prematurely.
For instance, Tiger Woods, having switched his golf swing on numerous cases and altered his muscle and core ratio has resulted in failed and numerous spinal surgeries. The sadness is he might never return to the once lethal golfer he was that destroyed so many golfing opponents. In Australia, young fast bowlers between the ages of 9-16 are legally restricted in the amount of overs they can bowl to avoid injuries and potential stress damage to the spine whilst they in the vital skeletal development phase.
If one works in tandem with a chiropractor, physiotherapist, pilates instructor and biokineticist – it is extremely potent and can enhance the swing mechanics and nourish the spine to improve performance and prevent so many ghastly and often career limiting catastrophic injuries.
There is no excuse to allow stress damage on the spine in these magnificent sporting arenas. Let’s allow the future generations to nullify weakened core mechanics and be allowed to shine on in the US open, Ryder Cup, and so many other sporting amphitheaters! Enjoy!
