Golfers' Increased Risk of Injury

Taking the time to explain everything and how it would work was just one aspect of why Maurice says “Dr. Anwar is the most complete doctor I’ve ever met.. and as a bonus, he’s a wonderful person too!”

Golf may be considered a relaxing sport but joint, neck or back pain can be fairly common for those that play.  Nearly 30% to 40% of golfers report back injuries, including pros like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Will Zalatoris.

The rotational movement from swinging a club can lead to strains, inflammation, or other muscle and spine injuries when performed repetitively. While these injuries may be common, they are often avoidable.

Wellington K. Hsu, MD, a spine and orthopedic surgeon, says “For recreational and professional players alike, a little preparation goes a long way. Cold muscles are more rigid and prone to injuries, and stretching before you tee off can help reduce your potential for injury.

Two common injuries that golf patients present with are lumbar disc herniation and cervical disc herniation; 90% of people do not need surgery. We look at conservative measures for treatment including physical therapy, medication and even injections.”

Dr. Zaki Anwar, Medical Director at Chicago Stem Cell Therapy & Pain Management Institute, could not agree more. “I can’t tell you how many times I have heard someone on the course say they ‘did something’ to their neck or back and now there is a nagging pain.

Many golfers also experience tendinitis in their wrists or elbows.  In addition to overuse, poor form (such as over-cocking the wrist) or poor swing technique can contribute to golfers' wrist.  You may not have the best score in the game, but anyone can (and should) do simple wrist rotation exercises to help loosen the muscles and increase blood flow to the area.

When asked about alternatives and his treatment approach, Dr. Anwar explained how regenerative medicine is the future of healthcare, though available to us today. Using natural biologics such as amniotic fluid or exosomes (derived from placental mesenchymal stem cells) has the potential to repair and regenerate damaged tissue far greater than PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma).

Exosomes enhance the body’s cell to cell communication and compared to adult stem cells, they have nearly three times the amount of growth factors. They have very high anti-inflammatory properties and can be ideal for the treatment of osteoarthritis, chronic pain, or musculoskeletal injuries. One driving factor in choosing this type of injection is the ability to return to daily activities since no rehabilitation or recovery is required.

Other shoulder, knee, or hip pain can be treated nearly the same- it rarely requires surgery and can usually be repaired with some form of natural biologics. “The results I see in my office are incredible,” Dr. Anwar says. “The human body is capable of miraculous things, you just need to give it the opportunity.”