Left Elbow Injury and Wrong Swing

Left Elbow Injury and Wrong Swing

A golfer who has played golf with an incurable left elbow injury or has healed and then plays golf and experiences recurrent pain may need to consider the cause of improper swing technique. The most common cause of left elbow injury is the “chicken wing” swing, which occurs when the golfer bends their left elbow up during the swing. In addition to medical treatment, the golfer may need to adjust their swing technique in order to reduce the risk of further injury.

To diagnose a golf swing, draw a line from the left shoulder through the left elbow. The left wrist should be in the same straight line. If the left elbow is bent, it is called "chicken winging." To accurately identify this issue, it is helpful to observe the golfer on video both at impact and during the early follow-through.

Picture: A Good Swing

Draw a line from the left shoulder to the left elbow; the left hand will be in a straight line as well.

Picture: Chicken Winging on Impact

Left elbow is bending.

Picture: Chicken Winging during Early Follow Through

Left elbow is bending.

Causes of Chicken Winging

1. A good golf swing requires the left shoulder to move properly and the muscles in the left arm to be strong. If the shoulder ligament is inflamed, the shoulder joint will be unable to turn and the left arm muscles will be weakened. This will result in the elbow bending upon contact with the ball.
2. When hitting a golf ball, it is important to have the correct swing characteristics. To do this, you should start by using your right hand or right shoulder first, creating a line of force that will cause the clubhead to move. When you arrive at the point of impact, you should bend your left elbow and use a shearing motion to pull the club open. This will cause the ball to turn to the right rather than increase in distance.

Solution

1. Stand in a standing position, holding a golf club with your arms extended at 90 degrees and your hands parallel to the floor. Bend your elbows 90 degrees and rotate your forearms upward. Gradually move your arms further back, increasing the angle until your forearms are in line with the axis of your torso. If you feel comfortable, you can also rotate your arms to the back, but do so gently and only as far as it doesn't hurt.
2. Stand in golf position with a resistance band or elastic strap tied to a pole slightly above your head. Grip the elastic with both hands in the backswing position. Pull your elbows on both sides in front of your body, transferring your weight to your left foot. Then, stretch both elbows fully out, keeping your left wrist straight and your right wrist slightly bent back.

2^nd Photo: Triceps Diagonal Chop

Reference: Titleist Performance Institute Level Three Medical Professional Workshops