Chicago District Golf Association

When you're not playing with pain, you're living golf to its fullest.

When joint or low back pain is hurting your game, it's time to turn to the physicians of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, a corporate partner of the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA).

Anyone who plays golf is familiar with the challenges of the game. Due to its repetitive nature, golf is tough on muscles, tendons, bones, and joints. Biomechanically, the golf swing is an “unnatural” motion, which is why it produces its share of strains and pains in the foot, knee, back, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

The Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) physicians are pioneers in the field of orthopedic medicine. They offer the most advanced and innovative surgical techniques including: hip resurfacing, shoulder replacement, minimally invasive joint replacement, and disc replacement. These procedures not only help patients return to normal daily activities, but also to return to the great game of golf.

Overuse and improper mechanics are the result of many golf-related injuries among professional and recreational golfers. Research indicates recreational golfers sustain more golf-related injuries than pros due to lack of proper warm-up, poor swing technique, lack of fitness, and sporadic play. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were more than 55,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms for golf-related injuries in 2009.

Golf Injury Prevention Tips:

  • Warm-up before you tee off. Stretch your back, legs, shoulders, hands, wrists, and elbows to improve flexibility.
  • Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a visor to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
  • Select comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Choose proper footwear that offers the most support.
  • Stay well hydrated.
  • Be aware of other players on the course and your surroundings. If walking, watch for changes in landscape to avoid foot and ankle injuries.
  • Practice year-round aerobic activity and strength training exercises to stay fit.
  • Consider golf lessons. Learning the correct posture and swing may not only improve your game, but help to avoid golf-related injuries.

MOR Golf-Related Orthopedic Specialties:

Cartilage Restoration: The Cartilage Restoration Center (CRC) provides a full range of contemporary treatment options for knee pain, including the latest minimally invasive procedures and methods for restoring damaged cartilage available at only a handful of medical centers in the country.

Foot and Ankle Conditions: Diagnosis and treatment including the latest medications, braces, and orthotics. Surgical procedures ranging from bunion surgery to the most complex reconstructions, including limb realignment, as well as primary and revision total ankle replacement.

Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Injuries: Evaluation and treatment of hand, wrist and elbow injuries and chronic painful conditions including innovative surgical techniques, clinical research and physical therapy.

Healthy Hip Program: The Healthy Hip Program offers alternatives to hip replacement and is geared towards young adults with degenerative hip problems that suffer from chronic hip pain and bone deformities or sports injuries.

Joint Reconstruction: Surgical treatment of bone and joint problems, including arthritic and inflammatory conditions for adults and adolescents, and degenerative problems of the hip and knee joints.

Shoulder Injuries: Diagnosis and treatment of a wide spectrum of shoulder injuries and abnormalities using a combination of surgery, rehabilitative sports medicine, physical and occupational therapy, and clinical research.

Spine, Back, and Neck Pain: Evaluation and treatment of patients with neck, back, and spine pain, disorders, deformities, and injuries through the use of the most innovative diagnostic and therapeutic options available including minimally invasive spine surgery.

Sports Medicine: Comprehensive sports medicine services including the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries regardless of the level of the athlete. The physicians of MOR are also proud to serve as team physicians for the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, and the DePaul Blue Demons.