– Did you have a knee replacement and still do not feel ready to play golf?
– Have you been through physical therapy but have not been able to golf?
– Should you have to change your golf swing after knee replacement?
– Are you nervous to play because of your knee and do not want to damage it?
So Can I Play Golf After Knee Replacement Or Not?
The short answer is YES you can play golf after a knee replacement. Most orthopedic surgeons will even encourage golf as a safe form of exercises following a knee replacement. There are even professional golfers with knee replacements that are still playing at a high level. Having a knee replacement does not have to be the end of your golf game. There are ways to still golf at a high level and avoid unnecessary stress on your replacement.
How Is My Knee Affected During the Golf Swing?
The knee is not a common site for injury during golf; however, there is a large amount of force that is placed on the knee during the swing. During the backswing, the right knee can undergo peak force of 540N, which is about 122 lbs of force. During the downswing into impact, the left knee can undergo peak force of 765N, which is about 172 lbs of force. As you age and experience osteoarthritis this force can elicit an increase in pain. That is a lot of force through the knee, the good news is you can protect your knee with the right amount of strength and mobility through golf performance training.
When Is It Safe To Play Golf?
A common question that gets asked is “How long after total knee replacement before you can play golf?” Typically, once cleared by your surgeon, you should be able to golf 3 months after a knee replacement. Timeframe after your knee replacement is not the only factor required prior to returning to golf. You need to have adequate knee range of motion, strength, and power to protect your knee and produce an efficient golf swing.
What Do I Need To Do To Avoid An Injury To My Knee?
Total knee replacements are effective at alleviating knee pain for golfers once traditional physical therapy has not been successful. To avoid further injury to your knee it is critical that you have proper mobility in your hips and ankle and increased leg and hip strength to reduce the stress on your knee replacement, and to avoid having to change your golf swing.
If your surgeon has cleared you to return to golf and you do not want to have pain, lose distance,
or see your handicap increase click on the link below to take our P4S Golf Fitness Assessment.
Author-
Spencer Cole
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Disclaimer: This blog content is for general educational information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. References available upon request.
