Jun 15, 2024 4 min read

Is pain limiting you to only play 9 holes? Not hitting those drives as far as you used to? At Wonsettler Physical Therapy & Specialized Health, we understand the challenges you’re facing and can address the root of your problem.

Cliff Wonsettler, owner and physical therapist at Wonsettler Physical Therapy & Specialized Health in Scenery Hill, is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute to help improve your golf swing to prevent pain and injury and to improve your overall game. The Titleist Performance Institute is the world’s leading education organization dedicated to the study of how the human body functions in relation to the golf swing.

Getting Started

The process is straightforward and involves two main components. “First, we conduct a movement screen to assess your physical capabilities. We evaluate your range of motion, squatting ability, and balance, to name a few. Once we have a clear understanding of your current physical capabilities, we utilize a computer program to conduct a detailed analysis of your golf swing. This analysis enables us to tailor a swing that suits you best.” This two part screening helps to quickly identify the key area that is holding you back from playing your best.

More Consistency – Longer Drives

“Every golfer wants to hit the ball further,” Wonsettler said. “The king of the golf swing is your glutes. Your hips. That’s what generates the power. For clubhead speed, people think they need to move their arms faster, but that’s not the case. It really starts from the ground through our feet and is translated primarily through our pelvis and hips. So, developing glute strength is the foundational aspect of improving your distance.”

Balance is also a vital aspect of a powerful golf swing.

“When you finish a swing, almost all your weight is on your front leg and you’re in a kind of extended position in your lower back. Most people over the age of 50 struggle to balance on one foot. If you’re unstable in your swing, it will decrease your rotation, which will decrease your clubhead speed and power. If you can improve your balance, you can improve your distance,” Wonsettler said.

Mobility, especially your thoracic spine (mid-back) mobility, is also significant in improving your game.

“Golf is a rotational sport, and to have faster clubhead speed, you must have significant ability to be able to rotate your thoracic spine. If your thoracic spine is stiff, and frankly that’s true for most people, you’ll compensate elsewhere and get less rotation and less power.”

The range of motion in your hips also impacts your swing. Having a limited range of motion in your hips leads to less rotation causing discomfort and potential low back pain.

“If your hips aren’t moving well, they keep your pelvis still. That causes a swing where there’s just not much power,” Wonsettler said. “There’s inconsistency and it can lead to sprayed and/or weak shots. Identifying if your hips are limited in terms of flexibility or an actual joint problem is import- ant. The movement screen helps determine a person’s limitations in terms of hip mobility.”

All of these, Wonsettler said, are hard to assess on your own.

How WPT Can Help

“Most people can’t identify if they have a balance problem, limited spine or hip mobility, or glute weakness. Having a physical therapist determine

your limitations and create a plan of action is the best way to move forward.”

Wonsettler said the assessment can be completed in two, one-hour-long sessions. The process to correct any findings can vary from stretching to strength training, and the whole process can be covered by your insurance. The overall goal, Wonsettler said, is to get patients to a point where they can enjoy the game without limitation from pain.

“My goal isn’t to get your swing to look like Tiger Woods or any other pro golfer. It’s about optimizing your unique swing, ensuring you can enjoy the game to the fullest,” he said. “I won’t overhaul your technique, forcing a total transformation of your swing. Instead, we’ll refine what you already do well. It’s all about tailoring exercises and drills to suit you, starting your improvement journey right away.”

To learn more about Wonsettler Physical Therapy & Specialized Health and how they can help you get back to enjoying the game PAIN FREE, call 724-945-5161 or visit wonsettlerpt.com