Back to the Course: Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain in Golfers

Back to the Course: Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain in Golfers

If you're a golfer struggling with nagging low back pain, you're not alone. Studies show that low back pain is the most common injury among both amateur and professional golfers. The repetitive nature of the golf swing, combined with poor movement mechanics, muscle imbalances, and inadequate mobility, can put significant stress on the lumbar spine.

That’s where Applied Functional Science (AFS) physical therapy comes in — a movement-based approach that focuses on real-life function and how the body moves in three dimensions. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, AFS aims to understand and address the root cause of pain by evaluating how the entire body contributes to movement.

What Is Applied Functional Science?

Developed by the Gray Institute, Applied Functional Science is a treatment philosophy that blends principles of biomechanics, kinesiology, and neurology. AFS recognizes that every movement in the body is connected. When it comes to golf, that means looking beyond the back to evaluate how your hips, ankles, thoracic spine, and even feet are contributing to your swing — and possibly your pain.

Why Golfers Are Prone to Low Back Pain

The golf swing is a powerful, high-speed, rotational movement that requires precise timing and full-body coordination. When one part of the body lacks mobility or stability, another area — often the lower back — is forced to compensate. Common contributing factors to low back pain in golfers include:

• Limited hip or thoracic spine mobility
• Poor core stability
• Imbalances between left and right sides of the body
• Repetitive overuse from practice and play
• Poor swing mechanics

How AFS Physical Therapy Helps Golfers

1. Whole-Body Assessment

An AFS therapist will assess your entire kinetic chain — not just your lower back. They’ll observe how you move during a golf swing and in everyday activities to identify mobility restrictions, stability issues, or compensation patterns.

2. Functional Mobility Training

Rather than static stretching, AFS uses dynamic mobility drills that mimic the positions and motions of your golf swing. For example, if limited thoracic rotation is contributing to excessive lumbar stress, your therapist might guide you through 3D mobility exercises to restore proper spinal movement.

3. Core and Hip Stability Work

AFS recognizes the importance of the hips and core in generating power and protecting the back. You'll work on stabilizing and strengthening key muscle groups through functional exercises that challenge your body in all three planes of motion (sagittal, frontal, and transverse).

4. Customized Swing Optimization

With a deep understanding of how movement affects performance, an AFS therapist can collaborate with your golf coach to fine-tune your swing in a way that reduces back strain without sacrificing power or consistency.

5. Progressive Return to Sport

AFS is not just about rehab — it’s about performance. Your recovery plan will include progressive return-to-golf programming, helping you safely build back to your desired level of play with better movement patterns and less pain.

A Real-Life Example

Let’s say a golfer presents with low back pain after a round. An AFS assessment might reveal that they have limited internal rotation in their lead hip and restricted thoracic rotation. As a result, their lower back is over-rotating during the downswing to compensate.

Instead of simply prescribing rest or general exercises, an AFS-based treatment plan would include 3D hip mobility drills, thoracic spine rotations, and rotational core strengthening — all integrated in ways that mirror the demands of their swing. The goal isn’t just pain relief — it’s improved performance through better movement.

Golfers don’t have to accept low back pain as the cost of playing the game they love. With Applied Functional Science physical therapy, you can address the true sources of dysfunction, restore natural movement, and return to the course with greater power, precision, and longevity.

If you're a golfer dealing with low back pain, consider seeking out a physical therapist trained in AFS. Your body (and your scorecard) will thank you.

Find out when our next Golf Pain & Performance Workshop will be held by clicking here: Golf Workshop | Superior Physical Therapy It's FREE!