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Blog, Physiotherapy

Improve Your Golf Game: Why Your Thoracic Spine Matters


Golf is a game of precision, power, and mobility.


While many golfers focus on their swing mechanics, club selection, and putting technique, one crucial area often gets overlooked—the thoracic spine.

Hi I’m Kevin Go, a physiotherapist at M Physio – Spring Hill, with a passion for both musculoskeletal health and golf.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, understanding and optimising your thoracic spine can significantly improve your swing and reduce your risk of injury.


Why Is the Thoracic Spine Important in Golf?

The thoracic spine (mid-back) plays a crucial role in golf because it contributes to:

  • Rotation: A fluid golf swing relies on a good range of motion in the thoracic spine. Studies show that professional golfers rotate their thoracic spine up to 60–70 degrees, whereas amateurs often struggle to reach 45 degrees.
  • Power Generation: The ability to rotate effectively helps create torque, which translates into greater clubhead speed and distance.
  • Injury Prevention: Restricted thoracic mobility often leads to compensations in the lower back, shoulders, and neck, increasing the risk of injuries such as lower back and shoulder pain.

The Problem: Poor Thoracic Mobility in Golfers

Many golfers suffer from poor thoracic mobility due to:

  • Sedentary lifestyles – Prolonged sitting leads to stiffness in the mid-back, reducing rotation capacity.
  • Over-reliance on the lower back – When the thoracic spine lacks mobility, the lower back compensates, increasing strain and injury risk.
  • Poor warm-up routines – Many golfers skip mobility exercises before playing, limiting their ability to move efficiently.

Restricted thoracic mobility leads to:

  • A shortened backswing, reducing power and distance
  • Compensatory movements, increasing strain on the lower back
  • Inconsistent ball striking due to improper weight transfer
  • A higher risk of injuries, particularly in the lower back and shoulders

The Solution: Improve Your Thoracic Mobility

The good news? Improving thoracic spine mobility is achievable with the right approach.

Here are two simple exercises to enhance rotation and prevent injuries:

  1. Open-Book Stretch
  • Lie on your side with knees bent at 90 degrees.
  • Place both arms straight in front of you.
  • Rotate your top arm open, reaching towards the opposite side.
  • Hold for 10–15 seconds, repeat 8–10 times per side.
  1. Seated Thoracic Rotations
  • Sit on a chair with feet flat on the ground.
  • Hold a golf club across your shoulders.
  • Rotate your torso to one side, hold for 2 seconds, and return to centre.
  • Perform 10 reps on each side.

Take Action

Don’t let poor thoracic mobility limit your golf game.

Start incorporating these exercises into your daily routine and notice the difference in your swing and overall performance.

If you’re experiencing persistent stiffness or pain, book a physiotherapy session for a personalised assessment and treatment plan.


Written By:

Kevin Go (Physiotherapist)

Bachelor of Physiotherapy


References

Cole, M.H. and Grimshaw, P.N. (2015) ‘The biomechanics of the modern golf swing: Implications for lower back injuries’, Sports Medicine, 46(3), pp. 339–351. doi:10.1007/s40279-015-0429-1.

Menzer, H., Gill, G.K. and Paterson, A. (2015) ‘Thoracic spine sports-related injuries’, Current Sports Medicine Reports, 14(1), pp. 34–40. doi:10.1249/jsr.0000000000000117.

‘Spine and hip motion analysis during the Golf Swing’ (2002a) Science and Golf II, pp. 81–91. doi:10.4324/9780203474709-13.

‘Spine and hip motion analysis during the Golf Swing’ (2002b) Science and Golf II, pp. 81–91. doi:10.4324/9780203474709-13.


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