What do we mean by “Loss of Posture”when swinging a golf club?
Loss of posture is really any significant deviation from the body’s original set up angles during the golf swing. Timing, balance and rhythm can all be affected by loss of posture. The block to the right and a hook to the left for a right handed player are typical mis-hits for a golfer that affects their posture. As the body angles change they are put in a position where they have to rely on their hand action to square the face. This becomes a timing-driven swing that can be inconsistent.
Physical causes of Loss of Posture
Research has shown that any limitation in performing a full overhead deep squat or full hip bend can force a player to lose pelvic posture during the downswing. Inability to perform a deep squat is an indicator for generalised stiffness and asymmetry in the muscles and joints of the lower body. This limitation can alter good set up posture and force players to change their spinal posture throughout the golf swing. These limitations are best addressed with the Overhead Deep Squat Test and the Toe Touch Test.
The ability to separate the upper body from the lower body allows the shoulders to rotate around the spine without altering the original posture. Reduced spinal mobility and tight muscles, particularly latissimus dorsi tightness, are common causes of this.
The ability to stabilise the spine angle during the swing is directly proportional to the strength and stability of the core muscles. The core is imperative for adequate spinal stabilisation. These muscles help keep your thorax forward flexed throughout your golf swing.
Finally, in order to rotate around a stable posture, golfers need good flexibility in their hips and shoulders. Flexibility allows golfers to get the club into key positions without altering their spine angle. The overall flexibility of your hips and shoulders is best evaluated using the 90/90 Test, the Lat Test and the Lower Quarter Rotation Test.
If you think you are losing your posture through your golf swing then this is best evaluated by our TPI Physical Golf Screen. So come and see Bonnie (TPI certified) at Bend + Mend in Sydney’s CBD for a Golf Physiotherapy Assessment and TPI Physical Screen.
