Golf is having a moment – ready to swing into action?

With The Open and Tour Championship having finished and the Ryder Cup yet to come, golf is firmly in the summer spotlight. Now, I’ll admit I’m not much of a golfer myself, unless you count my recent antics at adventure golf at the Oadby Golf Centre!

We do however have some true golf enthusiasts at Body Works. Jo, Annabelle and Joe are all keen golfers—so whether you’re looking for physiotherapy, Pilates or sports massage, we’ve got experts who really understand the demands of the game.

In this month’s newsletter, we’re diving into:

  • The low down of golfer’s elbow
  •  A simple warm-up routine to help you tee off with confidence
  • Why Pilates is great for your swing and your spine
  • How to stay pain-free and improve your performance

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a fair-weather enthusiast, we’re here to help you stay strong, mobile and injury-free—on and off the course.

Golfer’s Elbow – Don’t Let It Derail Your Game 

Golfer’s elbow (officially known as medial epicondylitis) is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons on the inside of your elbow.

Despite the name, you don’t have to be a golfer to develop it—but gripping and swinging a club repeatedly can definitely trigger it!

What causes it?
Golfer’s elbow happens when the muscles and tendons that attach to the inside of your elbow become irritated—usually from:

  • Repetitive gripping or wrist flexion (bending the wrist forward)
  • Weakness or tightness in the forearm, shoulder or core
  • A sudden increase in playing time (hello, summer golf weekends!)
  • Poor swing mechanics or overuse (on or off the driving range)

What does it feel like?
You might notice:

  • A dull ache or tenderness on the inside of your elbow
  • Discomfort when gripping the club, shaking hands, or lifting objects
  • Weakness in your wrist or forearm
  • Stiffness or pain first thing in the morning or after playing

Left untreated, it can linger for weeks or even months—and affect more than just your golf game.

How we can help
At Body Works, we offer a team approach to help you recover faster and play better:

  • Physiotherapy to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve strength
  • Therapeutic massage to release tight forearm and upper arm muscles
  • Pilates to build up core and shoulder stability—key to reducing elbow strain
  • Advice on modifying your swing or training load to prevent flare-ups

Don’t let golfer’s elbow sideline your season.
Call us on 0116 2885533 or email info@thebodyworksleicester.co.uk today to start your recovery—and get back to playing pain-free.

Golf Warm-Up Tips – Move Before You Swing!

Warming up before a round can boost your power and help prevent common golf injuries—especially through your elbows, back and hips.

Try these 4 simple moves before your next round:

1. Torso Twists with Club
Hold a golf club behind your shoulders, resting it across the back of your neck. Stand with feet hip-width apart and rotate your torso side to side.

10–15 slow reps
Mobilises your spine and warms up your obliques

2. Shoulder Rolls & Arm Swings
Roll your shoulders forward and backward, then swing your arms gently across your body in a horizontal motion.

10 shoulder rolls each way, 10 arm swings
Loosens upper back and shoulders

3. Hip Circles
Place hands on hips, feet shoulder-width apart, and draw big circles with your hips in both directions.

5 each way
Wakes up your pelvis and core muscles for better rotation

4. Standing Pilates Roll Down
Start tall, then slowly roll down through your spine, letting your arms hang, and gently rise back up.

5 slow reps
Stretches hamstrings and mobilises your back

Why Golfers Need Glutes (and Core!)

Did you know that a strong core and glutes (buttocks), along with good spinal and shoulder movement help you hit further, swing more efficiently, and helps to avoid lower back pain?

 

Pilates is ideal for golfers because it addresses all of these areas by:

  • Improving trunk rotation and spinal mobility
  • Strengthening the deep abdominal muscles and gluts
  • Works on upper back and shoulder flexibility, whilst also strengthening our shoulder girdle – essential for a good swing.
  • Balances left/right body imbalances which can happen when playing golf
  • Improves focus and breath control—great for your mental game too!

Ready to feel the difference Pilates can make to your game (and your spine)?
Email Pilates@thebodyworks.co.uk today for your personalised recommendation—and secure your September spot before classes fill.

Therapeutic Massage – Not Just for Runners!

If you’ve come off the course feeling stiff through your forearms, shoulders, or hips, our Restore & Revive therapeutic massage packs are here to help.

Perfect for:

  • Relieving tension through the neck and shoulders
  • Easing hip or lower back tightness from long rounds or poor posture
  • Giving yourself a moment to relax and unwind

Teeing off with tension? Don’t let stiffness hold you back.
Book your therapeutic massage now and choose from pay-as-you-go or our best-value 4-pack. Your swing (and your body) will thank you.