Golf should feel smooth, controlled, and powerful. But for many golfers on the Costa del Sol, it is played through discomfort. Players routinely manage ongoing pain in the lower back, hips, or shoulders while continuing to play, and over time this can lead to more persistent problems that affect both performance and quality of life.
At Costa Health, we work with golfers across Mijas and Marbella and regularly see the same injuries presenting again and again, often linked to how the body moves during the golf swing. Here are the five most common golf-related injuries we treat, and what they typically indicate.
1. Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is the most common complaint among golfers. The swing places repeated rotational stress through the spine, and if the hips or thoracic spine do not rotate efficiently, the lower back tends to compensate.
This can lead to:
- Stiffness during or after a round
- Pain on rotation
- Discomfort at the end of the swing
In many cases, the source of the problem is not the back itself but limited movement elsewhere in the body. Our back pain assessment and treatment looks beyond the site of pain to address what is actually driving it.
2. Hip Pain and Reduced Rotation
The hips play a central role in generating rotation and power through the swing. When hip mobility is restricted, golfers often struggle to turn effectively, leading to compensatory patterns such as sliding or early extension.
Common signs include:
- Reduced backswing turn
- Discomfort in the hip or groin
- Feeling blocked through the swing
Improving hip function can make a significant difference to both comfort and performance on the course.
Quick Tip: If you feel restricted turning in your backswing, the issue may not be your technique. Limited hip or thoracic mobility is a common culprit, and one that responds well to targeted physiotherapy and movement work.
3. Shoulder Pain
The shoulders are heavily involved in controlling the club throughout the swing. Poor posture, limited thoracic mobility, or overuse can all lead to shoulder irritation over time.
Golfers may notice:
- Pain at the top of the backswing
- Discomfort during follow-through
- Reduced control or consistency
In many cases the shoulder is compensating for movement limitations elsewhere, so treating the shoulder alone may not resolve the problem. Our team provides specialist shoulder pain assessment and treatment to identify the root cause rather than just the symptom.
4. Elbow Pain (Golfer’s Elbow)
Golfer’s elbow is caused by repeated stress through the forearm and elbow, and is often linked to grip, overuse, or excessive strain at impact. Despite the name, it is common in both golfers and non golfers.
Symptoms include:
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
- Discomfort when gripping the club
- Tenderness after playing
Left unmanaged, golfer’s elbow tends to worsen with continued play. Early assessment and a structured rehabilitation plan can help resolve it without extended time away from the course.
5. Neck and Upper Back Tension
Neck and upper back discomfort is closely linked to posture and rotational limitations through the thoracic spine. When thoracic mobility is restricted, the neck and upper back can become overloaded during the swing.
Golfers may experience:
- Tightness after a round
- Reduced rotation
- Tension during setup or follow-through
Addressing movement through the upper body frequently reduces these symptoms. Our neck pain treatment considers the whole kinetic chain rather than focusing solely on the symptomatic area.
Quick Tip: Persistent neck tension after golf is often a sign of restricted thoracic rotation rather than a neck problem in isolation. A movement assessment can identify where the restriction lies and guide a more effective treatment approach.
Why Do These Injuries Keep Coming Back?
Many golfers focus primarily on swing technique when injuries recur. However, the swing you can produce is shaped by how your body moves. Where there are limitations in rotation, stability, or movement control, the body will compensate, and this often leads to both reduced performance and increased injury risk.
This is why treating the symptom alone rarely resolves the problem long-term. Understanding how posture and movement patterns affect the golf swing is key to achieving lasting improvement.
How We Approach Golf Injuries in Mijas and Marbella
At Costa Health, rather than treating symptoms in isolation, we look at how the body moves in relation to the golf swing. Using our Pro Motion Golf Analysis system, we combine:
- Postural analysis
- Clinical assessment
- Golf-specific movement testing
- TrackMan data
- Swing analysis
This allows us to understand not just where the pain is, but why it is happening. From there, we can support both the golfer and their coach in improving movement, reducing discomfort, and enhancing performance.
Find out more about our golf injury treatment and movement analysis service, or read about our integrated golf performance programme at Clubhouse Marbella.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
If you are experiencing pain during or after golf, reduced rotation, loss of distance or consistency, or recurring stiffness, it is worth getting assessed. Early intervention can prevent longer-term issues and help you continue playing comfortably.
If you are unsure whether imaging is needed, our guide on whether you need a scan for back or neck pain may help. In most golf-related cases, a clinical and movement assessment is the most useful first step before considering imaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still play golf if I have back pain?
In many cases, yes, though it depends on the severity and underlying cause. Mild discomfort may be manageable, but persistent or worsening pain should be properly assessed before continuing. Playing through pain without addressing the cause can lead to further injury. A movement assessment can identify whether your body’s movement patterns are contributing to the problem and guide the most appropriate course of action.
What is the most common injury in golf?
Lower back pain is the most common injury in golfers. It is often linked to limited hip or thoracic rotation, which places increased stress through the lumbar spine during the swing.
Do I need a scan for a golf injury?
Not always. Many golf-related injuries are linked to movement and function rather than structural damage. A clinical and movement assessment is usually the most informative first step, and imaging is only recommended where clinically indicated.
Can improving mobility help my golf game?
Yes. Improving mobility, particularly in the hips and thoracic spine, can enhance rotation, reduce compensatory movement patterns, and increase both power and consistency through the swing.
Should you want to discuss your injuries with one of our specialists contact us here