Sports Massage · Lambert Sports Clinic · Surbiton

Sports Massage for Golfers — Back, Shoulder & Elbow

Golf may not look like an extreme sport, but the rotational demands of the golf swing — combined with the sheer repetition involved in practice and play — create specific patterns of muscle tension and injury risk. Sports massage for golfers targets the areas most affected by the swing, helping to maintain flexibility, reduce injury risk, and support consistent performance.

Surbiton and Kingston are well served by golf courses — including the RAC Country Club, Malden Golf Club, Surbiton Golf Club, and others within a short drive — and we regularly see golfers at Lambert Sports Clinic with swing-related injuries and maintenance needs.

The Golf Swing — Physical Demands

A full golf swing involves rotation through the thoracic spine and hips, loading of the lead hip and lateral stabilisers, significant forearm and wrist activity through impact, and extension of the lumbar spine at follow-through. Repeated over a round of 18 holes, and across hundreds of practice shots per week, these demands create characteristic patterns of tightness and overuse.

Lower Back

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints in golfers. The rotational demands of the swing create significant stress in the lumbar paraspinals and quadratus lumborum, and the extension at follow-through can irritate the lumbar facet joints. Sports massage targeting the lumbar muscles, thoracic spine, and hip flexors — combined with exercises for thoracic mobility and hip strength — is a valuable part of managing golf-related back pain.

Shoulder and Upper Back

The lead shoulder (left for right-handed golfers) undergoes a wide range of motion during the swing and is prone to rotator cuff loading. The upper trapezius and rhomboids can become chronically tight with repetitive golf, contributing to shoulder stiffness and neck tension. Regular massage of the posterior shoulder, upper trapezius, and thoracic spine helps maintain the mobility needed for an efficient swing.

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylalgia)

The forearm flexors and pronators are heavily loaded through impact, particularly with mishits and on wet or heavy ground. Medial epicondylalgia — golfer's elbow — causes pain on the inner side of the elbow and can significantly limit practice. Sports massage of the forearm can help manage contributing muscle tension, though established tendon conditions require physiotherapy assessment and a loading programme. In chronic cases, shockwave therapy may be considered.

Hip and Glutes

Hip rotation is a key component of the golf swing. Reduced hip mobility — often from tightness in the hip rotators and glutes — can force compensation through the lumbar spine, increasing injury risk there. Massage of the gluteals, piriformis, and hip rotators, combined with hip mobility work, is beneficial for golfers seeking to both protect their back and maintain swing efficiency.

How Often Should Golfers Have Sports Massage?

For regular golfers (2 to 3 rounds per week plus practice), monthly massage during peak season is a reasonable starting point. Golfers carrying a specific injury or preparing for a club competition may benefit from more frequent sessions. Pre-season massage at the start of the golf season helps the body adapt to the increased loading after a winter break.