Shouldering the load
A strong rotator cuff is crucial for a good golf swing.
Strong rotator cuffs play an essential role in transferring the power of the swing from the torso to the club, says Golf Digest Professional Advisor Ralph Simpson, a certified manual therapist. Rotator cuff issues can cause dull, toothache-like pain for the shoulder. Often there is discomfort as the dominant arm crosses the torso through impact. It can be felt in the non-dominant arm at the top of the backswing and the finish. Most of the time, these exercises can cure the pain by strengthening the shoulder. Do them three times a week, three sets of 10 for each movement.
Pull an elastic tube upward, from parallel to the ground, with the forearm only.
Palm facing forward, lift a dumbbell from in front of your thigh outward until your arm is parallel to the ground.
Bend at the hips and lift so the dumbbell is parallel to the ground.
Bend at the waist and lift the dumbbell until the palm is facing the floor.
From a push-up position, walk the arms to a 2 o’clock position, and then to 10 o’clock.
Hold the dumbbell with the knuckles down and lift the arm until parallel to the ground.
Source: Golf Digest, October 2007