5 Golf-Related Injuries We Treat in Houston (And How to Avoid Them)

Golf may look low-impact from the outside—but your body knows better. The modern golf swing is a fast, powerful, and highly repetitive movement that requires precision from head to toe. When even one part of the system is out of sync, other areas absorb the stress—and that’s where injuries start to build.

At Bulletproof PT in Houston, we see golfers of all ages and skill levels dealing with preventable pain. The most common culprits? Poor mobility, compensatory movement patterns, and a lack of physical preparation before play.

READ: How Limited Mobility Is Holding Back Your Golf Swing (And How PT Can Help)

That’s why we combine golf physical therapy with Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) training to not only treat injuries, but help you avoid them altogether. Because you shouldn’t have to choose between better performance and long-term health—you can have both.

1. Low Back Strain: Caused by Poor Rotation and Core Control

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints among golfers—and it’s often the result of asking the spine to do too much. When hip or thoracic spine mobility is limited, the lower back picks up the slack. Add in rapid rotation, high repetition, and poor core control, and you’ve got a recipe for strain.

At Bulletproof PT, we assess how your body moves throughout your swing—not just where the pain shows up. If your hips aren’t rotating properly or your upper spine lacks mobility, we build a plan to restore that motion and offload the lumbar spine.

Golf physical therapy and TPI-informed training help you create a more efficient swing with less stress on your back—so you can stay powerful without staying in pain.

READ: Strength Training for Golfers: What the Pros Do (and You Should Too)

2. Golfer’s Elbow: Repetitive Stress from Grip and Impact

Golfer’s elbow—also known as medial epicondylitis—is an irritation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow, usually caused by repetitive strain. In golf, this often stems from gripping the club too tightly, poor swing mechanics, or a lack of strength and flexibility in the forearm and wrist muscles.

It can start as a mild ache but quickly become sharp and limiting, especially during practice sessions or after a full round.

At Bulletproof PT, we treat the elbow locally with soft tissue techniques and targeted loading, but we also look beyond the elbow itself. Sometimes, this issue is driven by swing compensation or shoulder instability higher up the chain.

Through golf-specific physical therapy and TPI training, we help Houston golfers reduce stress at impact and improve grip mechanics—so the only thing you’re holding on to is better performance.

3. Shoulder Impingement: From Overuse and Poor Positioning

Shoulder impingement is another frequent issue we see in golfers, especially those who play or practice often without addressing mobility and posture. The repetitive motion of the golf swing, particularly during backswing and follow-through, can stress the shoulder joint—especially when the scapula (shoulder blade) doesn’t move well or stabilize properly.

READ: What TPI-Certified Physical Therapy Can Do for Your Golf Performance

Common signs include discomfort at the top of the swing, pain when reaching overhead, or a noticeable loss in range of motion.

At Bulletproof PT, we evaluate scapular rhythm, thoracic spine mobility, and core engagement to see what’s really driving the issue. Often, the shoulder is simply doing the work of other underperforming areas in the body.

With a blend of TPI physical therapy and sport-specific corrective training, we restore proper function—not just for pain relief, but for long-term durability on the course.

4. Wrist Tendonitis: Tension at Impact or Poor Deceleration Mechanics

Wrist tendonitis in golfers often develops from repeated stress at impact—especially if your swing mechanics rely on excessive hand and wrist movement instead of efficient body rotation. Over time, the tendons that control wrist flexion and extension can become irritated, leading to pain with gripping, swinging, or even daily tasks.

This type of injury is especially common in players with limited shoulder or core mobility, who end up overloading their wrists to generate speed or control.

At Bulletproof PT in Houston, we assess your entire kinetic chain—not just the wrist itself. We look at how your body transfers force through each phase of the swing and whether your wrists are compensating for restrictions elsewhere.

READ: The Benefits of Functional Dry Needling for Pain Relief and Recovery

5. Hip Pain: Limited Mobility or Compensation in the Kinetic Chain

Your hips are the engine of your golf swing. If they lack mobility or strength, your body finds workarounds—and those compensations can create serious issues, both in performance and comfort. Hip pain in golfers often stems from poor rotational control, muscular imbalances, or stiffness in surrounding joints like the lower back or knees.

Some golfers feel pinching at the bottom of the swing, while others experience deep aches after practice or play. Either way, these are signs that your hips aren’t moving—or loading—as efficiently as they should.

At Bulletproof PT, we use the TPI screening process to assess hip rotation, core stability, and weight transfer. Once we identify the root issue, we develop a plan that includes manual therapy, mobility work, and strength training specific to your swing mechanics.

Better hip function means more power, smoother movement, and less strain across your whole body.

How Golf Physical Therapy and TPI Training Prevent Injuries

Pain doesn’t start on the scorecard—it starts in your movement. That’s why smart golfers are turning to physical therapy and TPI training not just to recover, but to prevent injuries in the first place.

At Bulletproof PT in Houston, we don’t just treat where it hurts. We analyze how your body moves, identify what’s breaking down, and build a plan to correct it. Whether you're struggling with back pain or want to stay ahead of elbow or shoulder issues, our approach is tailored to your swing, your goals, and your long-term health.

The truth is, you don’t have to wait until you're injured to get better. With golf physical therapy and TPI-informed care, you can swing stronger, move more freely, and keep playing the game you love—without setbacks.

Contact us today to schedule your personalized golf movement evaluation.