Sports Medicine Program Helps Ease Pain, Improve Power

Gyms and fitness centers offer golfers help in improving their game through exercise. But at the Par-Formance program at Southcoast, physical therapists and athletic trainers give golfers extensive knowledge about enhancing physical performance and restoring and improving function in the body.

Customized Fitness Program: Great for Golfers
“Golfers sometimes overexert themselves — often people come to the program with stiff or sore backs, shoulders and other areas of the body,” said Steve Molis, PT, the physical therapist who directs Par-Formance Golf. Being out of condition can limit flexibility and/or strength, and golfers can overstress certain joints and muscles during play, resulting in a loss of power generated during the swing due to pain or poor swing mechanics.

“Through our knowledge of anatomy and physiology, we develop customized fitness programs targeting specific muscle groups,” Molis said. “Par-Formance Golf is a supervised conditioning and strengthening program that’s great for golfers experiencing physical problems that limit their swing or power.”

Individualized “Fore” You
Golfers who participate in the Par-Formance program first undergo a comprehensive evaluation that includes flexibility and strength testing to pinpoint deficient areas of the body. In a series of eight one-hour sessions, the trainer videotapes and analyzes the golfer’s swing and develops a stretching and strengthening routine. The one-on-one consultations are by appointment only.

“For example, a golfer’s back may be tight so they can’t turn well on their backswing,” said Molis, who is an avid golfer. “We’ll design a program that can help improve strength, flexibility and balance and cond-ition the golfer to help prevent injuries and maximize distance and consistency on the golf course.”

Improve Your Game, Improve Your Health
Molis said programs like Par-Formance Golf are growing more popular because of the emphasis golfing superstars such as Tiger Woods place on fitness and good conditioning.

“People who have participated in our program rave about how much better they feel when they are in better condition,” Molis said. “They’re less stiff and sore. They can do household chores and yard work with greater ease. Also by giving them the right information and emphasizing a home exercise program, they have the tools to continue their routine long after they leave us — while having fun playing a game they love.”

To make an appointment for a Par-Formance Golf evaluation, call 508-910-3434.

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