Playing Golf After Back Surgery

Hi Surge:

I have elbow surgery for a fractred tip of the fibula.  I had this surgery four weeks ago.
The physical therapist lells me that I am progressing well.  He says, that I can go back to golf in five more weeks. I go to my surgeon next week for a check up.

My question is: Do you have any suggestions that would be helpful in getting started again with the Peak Performance Golf Swing which I have been doing for some time now.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

Bill Mayo
coachiem@cox.net  

 Steve

Hope you and Mike have a great game.

It sure is a game of angles, and it only has to be off 1* to mess it all up.  There are just so many things that have to be right, and it only take one being off and it gets ugly.

Let us know how it goes,
Dick

Don, I had back surgery about 3 yrs. ago. About the same time I
started to play golf. I was 57 yrs old. I asked my doctor if I can play golf
since I was only swing with a 3/4 turn. He said "well you probably wouldn’t
do as well as you use too since you wouldn’t be able to turn as much but I am
not oppose that you do that, just don't carry any bags". Of course he was
not familiar with your method but I have gone down from a 120 since I started
to golf to the high 80 to low 90 since, even with my bad back, hopefully I will
do even better.  Buy the way I have
received disability due to my back, but I am still able to play thanks to your
system. Thanks for all you comments on line, please keep them coming. Pedro

Congratulations Jerry. 

 I don't know for sure, but I would think different player heights, arm and club length would all play a part of the geometry. It's easier to set the club at any angle you want at address, but centrifugal force is going to impact the geometry in the FUS.

  HI Don - what about knee repacement surgery  ???

 Steve

Sounds like a great time.

You last sentence says it all pal.  In June of 2010, right before Dick, Katie, and the boys were moving to Germany, I rode my cycle from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. to Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.  I spent 3 weeks with them.  Dick and I went for several long rides through the Ozarks.  Being able to ride next to him on his cycle was something I will always cherish.

Those memories are the ones that will last for a life time.

Sounds like Mike doesn't take it easy on his "old man."  Trying to stay ahead of our boys helps keep us sharp.  I remember the first time Dick beat me at shooting a rifle.  It was like the old TV series Kong Fu.  He snatched the pebble from my hand.

Dick

I had a 3-4 spinal surgery years ago after a broken neck. Have not had issues since switching to the upright swing a year ago.

 A good topic indeed.

IMHO one way to get the shaft to return to the address angle is to swing the club on the shaft plane on both the BUS and the FUS. A second way is to raise the hands higher so there is not a difference in the angle of the arms and the shaft. The latter is exemplified by Moe Norman's swing style and the former by the mechanics of the "Golf Machine." Both of which have excursions into the SBG. Hogan's swing was also on the shaft plane with extreme fore arm rotation.

Personally I keep the angle the same for chipping and short pitches. Sand shots and longer pitches require changing the shaft plane and lifting with fore arm rotation to generate the speed needed.

The good ball strikers all have the differential in angle and have individual adaptations to compensate for the increased radius when the arms and shaft plane together at impact. The rotational swing usually turns the forward shoulder open. The other ways are variations in changing the spine angle by moving back from the aim line with the head and upper body or straightening up as in the action of a jump shot in basketball.

To use PPGS fundamentals and return the shaft at impact to the start angle, it is necessary to use the arms and shaft in line at address technique. By using this you can keep the head from shifting up or back while keeping the impact radius constant and at impact having the shoulders parallel to the aim line to produce the on-on-on for straight solid shots.

Most knee replacements claim to give you back full range of motion. The PPGS should be helpful in maintaining your new knee(s) because you only move them from side to side with minimal rotation and no snapping the knee straight as in the X factor swing that Tiger and many other pros use. Be sure to keep the knees flexed.

Surge;relating to the back surgery video, I had L5-S1 fusion in 09. I'm a retired Chiropractor so youi know this was a final try.  Before  surgery I could play 18 with a lot of pain.  Post surgery could anly do 9 with a lot of pain.  Came apon your sit in Feb. 2012.  Now visiting folks in Indiana and played 18 yesterday on a hilly country course and guess what.  A tired back afterwards but no increase of pain--I have a certain amount 24/7.  Going to another hilly course in Guntersville, Al. this week and looking forward to it.  Thanks,  John Maxwell.  ps, the neurosurgion use to send pts. to me to try and avoid Lumbar surgery.  Both he and I have faith in cervical surgery but have seen few long time good results with the low back.

 I have had L4,5 ,& S1 fused and now L3 has herniated along with stenosis and degenerative disc disease. The last surgery was '08.  I have been golfing more than 40 years and used to play to a 0-5 handicap and drive the ball over 300 yds. I am trying to learn the ppgs and do fairly well with irons and fairway woods but I sacrafice a lot of distance compared to pre-injury golf. however, I can usually make that up by using more club. my problem is the driver. I cannot stop from making a full coil and turning as far as posssible to let the big dog eat. somedays I can average 270-280 yards and have had it measured hitting into a computer projection screen. The problem is the on other days when I either pull a big duck-hook or slice into the next fairway. Is there a way to control my drive without sacrificing too much distance?  The golf swing itself does not seem to cause as much pain as just standing still. like playing with etiquette and waiting my turn to hit. using a cart takes care of tee and fairway shots but standing around the green waiting for "I think I'm putting for PGA win" guys to line up a shot and take practice strokes is torture. sometimes I will just go to my ball once everyone else is on or close to the green and putt out. yhis works ok for recreational golf but not in official compitition. any suggestions?  thanks, if you took the time to read all of that.  scott

 Thanks for the funny link, Robert, good stuff!

Me too

 John, I'm glad to hear you found the Surge's site and the benefits of the Peak Performance Golf Swing. 

Hope you enjoy your golf in Guntersville, AL. I live about 16 miles away and the courses are really nice. Lake Guntersville State Park Course is hilly, but walkable, if you are in good shape.  Few people walk it because of two holes: #9 which has a steep climb from the fairway to the green; from the base of the hill, the green is invisible.  #16 is an equally steep climb to the green.  The rest of the holes are not too difficult to walk.

Gunter's Landing, however, is much more difficult and I don't recommend that anyone walk it, nor does the staff, especially on hot, humid days.  In addition to some steep hills, there are some long walks from one green to another through the housing development.  I really love this course, but have only attempted to walk it once; made 9 holes and rode the second 9.

Good luck and keep it vertical.

As a physician (a neurologist),a previous patient of L4 - L5 - S1 fusion, and a golfer who searched for years for a back friendly swing, I feel uniquely qualified to give a sound endorsement for Surg's vertical swing as the most back friend option around.   Saved my ability to play and knocked about 5 strokes (so far) off of my handicap
Joel Beatty, M.D.

 Steve
I have noticed the shaft thing also. IMO we should try and return the club as close as possible to its position at impact as it was at address with the exception of looking at someone from face on the shaft will lean more towards the target because of lag. Dj gets it closer than Don in the through the bag swings. I have the same issue as you but the head is back to the spot that it was at address just a matter if it is slightly closed or not depends on were me ball goes. 
In the past taking rotational lessons I was told  that I have a slight over the top move and I have always had it. I have always swung vertically but with more shoulder turn than now. I just wonder if this related to swinging vertically or if we are just over the top a little. One of my friends that is a really good player has looked at Don and Dj's swing and said he thought was a good theory for me to work on and that they were slightly over the top.

I am not saying its a bad thing but wonder if it is swinging vertically related would agree that Don doing a daily on this would be great.

I know when I try to fix this by trying to drop the club down more in side that I tend to start hitting fat I have pretty much given up worrying about it and seem to hit mostly straight shots.
I don't know of anyone that has a perfect golf swing I continue to work on mine but will never be anywhere close to perfect and I don't care as long as it repeats and I can score.

Before her round this morning, my mother sent me an email forward with funny golf cartoons. Since I can't share them from my email with everyone here, I found the artist's web site http://finkstrom.com/cartoon-l...

Funny stuff. 

Don, I have had back problems since my early twenties (1959). Degenerative discs starting in my lower back & now up in my neck area. Severe spinal stenosis now in my lower back. I have done 30 minutes of back exercises, faithfully, every morning. I have tried most everything to stay away from surgery. I will be getting back to golf at the end of June having not played since last December (major left hand surgery & a new pacemaker). I will be making a major effort to learn the vertical swing that you teach as I need something to be more body friendly. Hope it works.  

I'll let you know how it works.  I had surgery on the L 5 (4 screws and a plate as well as fusion and removal of a bone spur) about 7 weeks ago.  Dr said I could start playing golf, but no driver for another 3 weeks.  I had C5-6-7 fused several years ago after I started dropping things.  After 6 weeks I was cleared with no restrictions.  I cut out a truck load of brush from my back yard the next day.  No problems experienced. Needless to say it didn't affect my golf swing although I have since changed to PPGS.

Sarge I just want to thank you for the videos and tips that you had for free and it sure helped me quite a bit. I had trouble taking the club to the towline and the videos help me now I take it in parts catchers mitt. First, then output tree and then continue the swing I have hit more solid shots straighter shots and I shot this week six strokes over my age. My age is 85 and I thank you for that. Now I like to know what the price is on your short game videos? And thanks again , sorry I forgot to identify myself. So Manny Mora I have been with you from day one. Thank you
 

Feel free to ask lots of questions, and you'd do well to study all the materials, practice in front of a mirror, and even get yourself some online video lessons if you can't get to a school or instructor.

Surge Nation

I just arrived back in Ok.  I just want to thank you all again for your thoughts, prayers, and wonderful posts.  They all mean so much to us right now.  The last few days have been really really rough.

I flew to DFW, then to Philly, then was driven to Dover AFB in Maryland.  Dick arrived back on US soil at just after 10 PM last night.  This morning we came back home.  He will be laid to rest in Jacksonville, Fl. some time next week.  I will keep you all posted as the details are worked out.

I just want to say that you folks, the folks from my church, work, and everyone has made an unbearable situation, a little more bearable.  I don't know if any of you folks have every had any dealings with the USO (United Service Organization).  They provide rest and relaxation stops for service members in most major airports.  They had someone waiting for us at every gate when we came off a plane.  They stayed with us during each lay over, they fed us, they got us to the next plane, they got us through every check point with no hassle, they handled any problem we had with seats, they loved on us, they held us, they cried with us.  They were with us every step of the way.  They are my newest group of heroes.  They are all volunteers.  I ask that you consider helping to support them in their work.  I know I will be.  The staff at the Fisher House at Dover AFB were wonderful.  They met us at the Philly air port.  They never left our sides unless we were sleeping.  They provided for every need.  They were all right behind us when the Honor Guard, which came from the group who does the detail at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington Nation Cemetery, carried Dick from the plane to the transport vehicle.  They caught me when my knees buckled and held me up.

I feel so blessed to have so very many wonderful people in my life right now to help me get through this ordeal.  My son's unit sent his company commander and one of the young soldiers who worked for my son along with my daughter and two grandsons to help them get here from Germany.  It was truly wonderful to be able to spend some time speaking with those two young men who worked with Dick.  They stayed up talking with me till nearly 2 am this morning telling me stories about Dick, and how much they respected him and the job he did.  They made sure we knew what kind of man he was, and how much he will be missed by his unit.  They could only confirm what I already knew about my son and the kind of man and soldier he was.

When I arrived at the Fisher House, my family was already there.  My grandson David came running and jumped into my arms.  Just holding him, and hearing him say "I love you Pop Pop", was worth it all.  I know it is early in the process, but the healing has already started.

Keep us in your prayer,
Love,
Dick

Don,  had the fusion L3 L4 L5 worked out pretty well for me.   took about four months before could go back on course.   Have to get in walking shape before making jump to course.  Not for the stamina but for the building of muscles prior to heading out on course.  Critical to walk for four months after spine surgery.   Within six months was able to play full round  no problem.   I ride a cart so keep that in mind as well.   Not much for the walking with pull cart as area I am in has crowded golf courses NY.   Hope the person that wrote in getting fusion gets back into golfing again soon.  kw

Manny

Great round .
The short game with Kenny Knox is 29.95. if you look to the right side of this page and scroll down or up a little you will see were you can purchase it.

David o here, I have a left shoulder problem and was told to have surgery.  A small tear that I got while playing golf in South  Carolina this March. I tried to swing a week ago and it hurt. I will see a surgeon soon and get his opinion. I have paie in my leftarm as well. I  would rather not have sergery do you think I have an alternative.

I am hitting all my shots on the toe, I just had left hip replacment, feels good!! I did see that all my shots are on the toe, could it be me or the lie angle and how can I tell what is causing it and what can I do to fix??

Scott, halleluiah, thought I was the only guy on the planet that suffered from
the "I'm putting for a PGA win" syndrome. Was a private member for about
10 years and it drove me nuts when I came after work and caught up with the
competition stragglers, worst offenders were low handicappers and juniors. 
We have saying down under called "ready golf" if your'e ready you play and
it takes me about 5seconds to assess the green as Iv'e already surveyed
the contours while I'm walking up to the green. My favourite saying ( to mates
only ) when playing that if they keep hanging over the ball is "It gets dark at
6 O'Clock", LOL.  

Surge,  I have had back surgery on l 5 through S1. I have been trying to use the Peak Perfomance Golf swing for the last almost three years.  I do not have any problems with my back while golfing.  I had no fusion, but I did have some lamina removed in order to take care of Stenosis.  This may not help, but I thought that I would send it.

Joe Tumeo

Surge-

I will try to be brief, however I have a lot to say.  Especially thanking you for helping save the game for me. On Feb 6'09 I had rotator cuff surgery and on Feb 16'09 I had a six way heart by pass.  Needless to say I was one weak person.  It took about four months before I could hit balls.  The shoulder hurt more that the chest.

Anyway, I was 4 hdcp before surgeries and a 9 six months after.  I was using the stack and tilt swing since I could not complete a swing due to the shoulder.  Once I discuovered your vettical swoing I started to play better.  To cut to the chase my hdcp went back to a 4.  I am soon to be 72 years old.  On November 9, 2010 I shot 65 on a great course.  Last week I shot 68 and 73.  Your swing helped save my game and added years of enjoyment to my life. 

I have a great friend who just had L3 L4 L5 back surgery.  I have introduced him to the Vertical Golf Swing.  He is back platying after 3 months.  Obviously he is casreful but playinng.

Thank you, the good lord granted me a " mulligan " in life.

Jerry Engle   

Great stuff Robert. We needed the laughter. Funny as hell and all to familiar.
Thanks again

It could be as simple as standing too close to far from the ball. It could be that you're standing up a bit in your BUS and not getting back down in the FUS. It could be that, trying to swing faster, you're pulling your hands inside. The last is what I tend to do, so I find my position with the ball square on the club face and the butt of the club directly over my toe line, and then when I sink in, the ball is actually in line with the hozel of the club. It doesn't worry me in the slightest, though, because I know from experience that setup will put the ball on the center of the club face when I swing through.

I had 2 back surgeries. Nerves still not recovered after 2+ yrs. Legs somewhat wobbly. PPGS saves me. Just about know how to do it, just not doing it yet. Up swing is a problem as balance is off. I'm a high handicap but won my C flight last week! Key was remembering to "lean" a little into ball on the up swing and snap my arms up into a stand up. Accuracy is good but push to the right if I get lazy on the up swing. Drive is coming around & I out drove some frustrated big hitters last week. Without the PPGS, I would not be playing! Never have back pain. Legs get tired but that is beyond Surge's ability to fix. THANKS Surge. And some other old geezers in my league are starting to ask me advise? I just send them Surge's way.

Pain is a sign that something is wrong. I don't think anyone here would advise you not to follow the advice of qualified physicians who have actually examined you. If you're not comfortable with the doctor's advice, get more opinions from qualified people who can directly examine the problem, but "tear" is a bad thing.

Steve and Robert F:
  
   I particularily liked the one with the "R.I.P." markers.  San Marcos has at least 6 to 8 Bronze plaques on varous holes that all have "In Memoriam of" some former member inscribed on them -- and one to commeorate someones' Ace on #13 -- a short par 3 over water, similar to the one that the "Las Vegas Roberts" were discussing a few blogs back.

     Amos

Curious-you had a triple fusion? How is your mobility in turning your body or head left and right? The reason I ask is I have three of those babies that are out of whack and the surgeon recommended I live with it as long as possible because   my turning would be greatly limited. bailed out on the 'procedure'. Been several years now and just plodding along .