Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Golf

Golf may look like a leisurely, non-strenuous way to pass the time, and for the most part, it is. However, many muscles and joints are used that may become prone to injury or strain over time. Common injuries include elbow tendinitis, rotator cuff or shoulder pain, knee pain and injuries to the wrists.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a gentle bodywork therapy that is used to treat a wide range of physical and emotional issues. The name comes from cranio - referring to the cranium or the skull, and sacral - referring to the sacrum bone at the base of the spine. The craniosacral system consists of the structures of the central nervous system (CNS) —the brain, the spinal cord, as well as the membranes and fluids that surround and protect these structures. Within these structures is found a clear fluid known as cerebrospinal fluid which supplies nutrients to the CNS and flows from the cranium to the sacrum. Here are a few ways in which Cranio-Sacral Therapy may support you no matter where you are on the road to becoming the next LPGA or PGA champion.

Musculoskeletal System and Alignment

The golf swing uses over 25 upper and lower body muscles. The most active muscles are outlined below. The golf swing also utilises several joints to stabilise our body or facilitate the movement required for an effective swing. Pre-existing issues with mobility or poor technique may exacerbate or lead to misalignment of the musculoskeletal system, back pain or other twists and torsion.

Backswing:
Obliques and Erector Spinae: Rotating the torso.
Glutes and Hip Flexors: Facilitating hip rotation.
Deltoids and Trapezius: Raising and rotating the arms.

Downswing:
Obliques and Rectus Abdominis: Generating rotational power.
Glutes and Quadriceps: Driving the lower body.
Forearm Flexors and Extensors: Controlling the club.

Impact:
Pectorals and Deltoids: Transferring power to the ball.
Core Muscles: Stabilizing the body.
Forearm Muscles: Maintaining grip and control.

Follow-through:
Obliques and Erector Spinae: Completing the rotation.
Glutes and Quadriceps: Ensuring a balanced finish.
Deltoids and Trapezius: Finalising the arm movement.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy works by engaging an individual’s innate healing potential and bringing the body back into baance, through gentle contact with the different parts of the body. Proper alignment of the craniosacral system supports overall structural balance, which is crucial for maintaining consistent swing mechanics and preventing injury.

Fascial Unwinding

Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that connects, surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. Fascia:

• Plays an important part in human function

• Makes up 16% of total body weight and stores 23% of total water composition

• Is a dynamic connective tissue that changes based on the stresses placed on it.

• Plays a major role in the circulation of blood and lymph

• Iis the first line of defense in immune function

Disruption and restrictions within the fascia are associated with disease and movement impairments, as it interrupts the flow of blood and lymph, and can cause pain and poor compensatory patterns. This is vital in golf, not only as it may prevent consistent swing mechanics but also increase recovery time.

Fascial unwinding is a subtle technique used in Cranio-Sacral Therapy that encourages the fascia to go into unwinding, enabling reorganisation of the physical or emotional body.The therapist connects with their client’s fascia and tunes into the twists and turns that may take place. They then follow the sensation of unwinding, rather than guiding or forcing the movement until the client’s system comes to a natural still point. This technique can be very useful for long term chronic pain—such as a frozen shoulder and improve joint mobility, and alignment.

Stillness and Grounding

Golf is a mental game as much as it is physical. Being grounded and focused can make all the difference to your game. One of the key principles of Cranio-Sacral Therapy is stillness.

Stillness in the context of cranio-sacral work, is not simply the absence of movement but being present. Sitting and watching the waves crashing on the shore, walking through a forest and listening to the leaves rustling under your feet, are all experiences that invite us to be present with all of the sensations and events that are taking place within and around our body. We can engage in stillness and continue to be in movement.

Grounding is synonymous with stillness. Grounding is a fundamental practice that enables a person to be consciously present with their body, emotions, thoughts and surroundings. It involves the conscious effort to anchor one's awareness in the here and now, fostering a deeper connection with the environment, one's body, and emotions.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy sessions often provide people with a deeper sense of stillness and feelings of being grounded, helping them to find clarity and stay focused in their day to day lives.

Regular Cranio-Sacral Therapy sessions may improve your golf game by increasing flexibility and range of motion, reducing pain and discomfort, enhancing posture and alignment, improving recovery, and promoting relaxation and focus. Let the bunkers be your only challenge on the golf course.

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