As the AIG Women’s Open gets underway this week, golfers across the UK are spending more time on the course. Whether you’re a regular golfer or enjoying a few summer rounds, the repetitive nature of the golf swing can place significant stress on your muscles, joints and tendons.
While many aches settle with rest, some injuries persist. If pain is preventing you from playing, returning every time you swing or interfering with daily activities, it may be time to seek further assessment.
At Oryon, we provide fast access to private diagnostic imaging, including MRI, ultrasound and X-ray, helping clinicians investigate a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries.
Need a referral?
If you don’t already have a referral, our Fast Track Referral Service gives you access to an online GP consultation for £25. If clinically appropriate, the GP can provide a referral for diagnostic imaging.
Common golf injuries
Golf may appear to be a low-impact sport, but the repetitive twisting forces involved in the swing can place considerable strain on the body.
The most commonly affected areas include the back, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip and knee.
Lower back pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common golf injuries.
Repeated rotation through the spine, particularly during powerful swings, can aggravate muscles, ligaments, facet joints or intervertebral discs.
You should consider further assessment if:
- Pain continues for several weeks
- Pain shoots into the buttock or leg
- You develop numbness or tingling
- The pain keeps returning every time you play
The golf swing places significant demands on the shoulder, particularly the lead shoulder.
Common causes include:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tendon irritation
- Shoulder impingement
- Labral injuries
- Arthritis
If reaching overhead, lifting your arm or swinging the club becomes painful, imaging may help identify the underlying problem.
Golfer’s elbow
Despite its name, golfer’s elbow isn’t limited to golfers.
This condition affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and develops gradually through repetitive gripping and swinging.
Symptoms include:
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
- Tenderness
- Reduced grip strength
- Pain when lifting objects
Wrist and hand injuries
Impact with the ground, repetitive practice or poor swing mechanics can strain the wrist.
Common injuries include:
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament sprains
- Joint inflammation
- Occult fractures following a fall
Persistent swelling or pain should always be assessed.
The hips generate much of the power during the golf swing.
Repetitive rotation may aggravate:
- Hip labral tears
- Tendon injuries
- Hip arthritis
- Muscle strains
Pain in the groin or outer hip that doesn’t improve deserves further investigation.
Walking several miles during a round combined with rotational forces during the swing can place stress on the knees.
Persistent pain may be related to:
- Meniscal injuries
- Ligament injuries
- Tendon problems
- Osteoarthritis
When should you consider a scan?
Not every golf injury requires imaging.
However, you should seek medical advice if your symptoms:
- Have lasted more than two to four weeks
- Keep returning whenever you play
- Prevent you from golfing normally
- Wake you at night
- Cause weakness or instability
- Are associated with swelling
- Follow a sudden injury or fall
- Are not improving despite rest
Early assessment may help identify the cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.
Which scan might be right for your injury?
The most appropriate imaging depends on your symptoms and the area affected.
MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, joints and the spine.
It is commonly used when investigating:
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Hip pain
- Back pain
- Tendon injuries
- Ligament injuries
Ultrasound is particularly useful for assessing certain muscles and tendons close to the surface of the skin and can evaluate movement in real time.
It is often used for:
- Tendon injuries
- Rotator cuff problems
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Muscle tears
X-rays are primarily used to assess bones and joints and may be appropriate where a fracture or arthritis is suspected.
Your referring clinician will determine which imaging investigation is most appropriate.
Do I need a referral?
Yes.
Diagnostic imaging should always be requested by an appropriate healthcare professional.
If you don’t already have a referral, Oryon’s Fast Track Referral Service offers an online GP consultation from £25.
If the GP believes imaging is clinically appropriate, they can issue a referral so you can arrange your scan quickly.
Already have a referral?
Why choose Oryon?
Patients choose Oryon because we offer:
✔ Fast appointments
✔ MRI, ultrasound, X-ray and DEXA scanning
✔ Experienced musculoskeletal radiologists
✔ Reports typically available within one working day
✔ Convenient London locations
✔ Competitive self-pay pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can golfing cause back pain?
Yes. Repetitive twisting during the golf swing places significant stress on the spine and surrounding muscles, making lower back pain one of the most common golf-related injuries.
Should I play through the pain?
If pain is affecting your swing, returning after every round or interfering with daily activities, it is sensible to seek advice rather than continuing to play through it.
Which scan is best for a golf injury?
That depends on your symptoms. MRI is often used for soft tissue and spinal injuries, ultrasound for certain tendon and muscle injuries, and X-rays for suspected bone or joint problems.
Do I need a GP referral for a private MRI?
Yes. If you don’t already have a referral, Oryon’s Fast Track Referral Service allows you to access an online GP consultation from £25.
Get back to enjoying your golf
Most golf injuries improve with the right management, but persistent pain shouldn’t be ignored.
Whether you’re struggling with ongoing back pain, shoulder discomfort, elbow pain or a wrist injury, appropriate assessment can help identify the cause and guide the next steps.
Book your scan today or access a Fast Track Referral to get started.