Walking the Greens without Pain: Solutions for Golfers with Knee Problems

Walking the Greens without Pain: Solutions for Golfers with Knee Problems

For golfers with Knee problems, knee pain on the course isn’t just uncomfortable — it can dramatically affect your ability to enjoy the game, maintain a stable stance, and walk 18 holes with confidence. 

Whether it’s a meniscus tear, knee arthritis, or tendonitis, knee injuries are common among golfers — especially those who’ve been playing for years. The repetitive motion of the swing, combined with prolonged walking, uneven terrain, and often a lack of adequate mobility or strength in surrounding joints, can put serious stress on the knees. 

But there’s good news: Applied Functional Science (AFS) physical therapy offers a movement-based, full-body approach that not only relieves pain but also helps prevent future knee issues — so you can play longer, stronger, and with less discomfort. 

Common Knee Issues Golfers Face 

Golf may not be a high-impact sport, but it does demand stability, rotation, and endurance — all of which put your knees to the test. Some common knee problems among golfers include: 

• Meniscus Tears: Often caused by twisting movements, especially during the golf swing or while walking on uneven surfaces. 

• Knee Arthritis: Cartilage wear and tear from aging or repetitive use can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain with walking or weight-bearing. 

• Tendonitis (Patellar or Quadriceps): Overuse or poor mechanics can cause inflammation in the tendons around the knee, leading to pain during squatting, swinging, or climbing hills on the course. 

These conditions don’t just hurt — they limit your ability to walk the course, stabilize during your swing, and generate power safely. 

How Applied Functional Science Can Help 

Applied Functional Science, a method of physical therapy used by Superior Physical Therapy, considers the entire body in motion, not just isolated joints. AFS-trained therapists analyze how you move in real life — especially during the golf swing — and design personalized strategies that address the root causes of pain and dysfunction. 

Here’s how AFS can help golfers with knee pain: 

1. Whole-Body Biomechanical Assessment

AFS starts with a deep dive into your kinetic chain — how your ankles, hips, spine, and even your shoulders are contributing to knee stress. 

For example, if your lead hip lacks internal rotation during your downswing, your knee may be forced to twist more than it should. Or, if your ankle isn’t mobile enough, your knee may absorb excessive shock when walking. 

By identifying and correcting these issues, AFS reduces the compensatory forces that overload the knee. 

2. 3D Mobility Training

Knees don’t work alone — they depend on mobile hips and ankles. AFS focuses on three-dimensional mobility drills that restore healthy, functional range of motion in the surrounding joints. 

Instead of generic stretches, you’ll perform movements that mimic the real-world demands of golf: walking, rotating, weight-shifting, and swinging. 

3. Functional Strength & Stability

AFS builds strength where it matters most — in the glutes, core, and foot/ankle complex. This improves load transfer and reduces wear on the knees during movement. 

You’ll work on exercises that promote balance, single-leg stability, and controlled rotation, helping you feel more grounded in your stance and more confident walking the course. 

4. Pain Relief Through Movement

Rather than rest alone, AFS uses gentle, strategic movement to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and retrain the nervous system — promoting natural pain relief without relying solely on medications or braces. 

5. Customized Golf-Specific Rehab

AFS understands the specific demands of the golf swing. Your therapy plan will include golf-specific drills designed to improve mechanics, protect your knees during rotation, and help you generate power more efficiently — all while reducing strain. 

Whether you're recovering from a knee injury or looking to prevent one, AFS offers a performance-based path forward. 

Real-Life Example 

A senior golfer dealing with medial knee pain from arthritis might find it difficult to pivot through their lead leg during the swing. An AFS assessment reveals limited hip mobility and ankle dorsiflexion on that side, causing the knee to twist under pressure. 

Instead of just treating the knee, the therapist uses 3D hip mobility drills, foot/ankle strength exercises, and progressive swing mechanics work. The result? Less pain, more stability, and greater confidence on the course. 

Your knees were made to move — and with the right approach, they can move well for years to come. Whether you're walking 18 holes, practicing at the range, or teeing it up with friends, Applied Functional Science physical therapy can help you relieve pain, recover safely, and prevent future injury — all while enhancing your overall performance. 

If you're tired of knee pain interfering with your golf game, it's time to move smarter, not just harder. 

Ready to swing without pain? Reach out to an AFS-trained physical therapist and take the first step toward stronger knees and better golf. 

Find out when our next Golf Workshop will be held: Golf Workshop | Superior Physical Therapy

Lean about or request a FREE Golf Movement Assessment here: https://www.free-assessment.com/