A couple weeks ago, I posted a daily video on Playing Golf After Back Surgery. In that particular post, I talked about a Surgite named John who was curious about playing golf after undergoing a back fusion. I sent off the quesiton to my mentor on all things related to the body, Dr. Ned Armstrong. Today, I'd like to share his response with anyone whose ever had surgery of any kind.
"Don, I will have to take some time to review our patient list for an example duplicating John's fusion. But, I can reinforce your thinking.
Since the lower spine is designed to resist rotation, an extensive fusion will simply continue transfer backswing torque to the hips and thighs where it should be anyway. Also, forward bending of the torso at address is though the hip joints. Again, expected. The only real problem is some unavoidable stress to the upper torso (thoracic spine) and the sacroiliac joints below the fusion over 5-20 yrs from the date of fusion because of absent subtle compensatory motion inherent in the discs and facet joints.
This circumstance can not be remedied because a solid fusion is not meant to give. But, a Peak Performance Swing can provide a successful method for dealing with it. I will check my records and others for cases."
The Peak Performance Golf Swing is the most body friendly golf swing being taught today. With minimal rotation in the backswing and the forward swing, we eliminate all the stress and strain on our bodies and especially the back. Dr. Armstrong states that a fused back is not designed to rotate, thus using the PPGS is the best swing to use. He's going to do some research too see if any former back fusion patients are able to still play because of this swing, so that should pretty interesting to see!
I'd like to thank Dr. Armstrong for responding. I'd like to elaborate on his response by showing you each part of the swing and why it's so body friendly. Turning only to our toe line and vertically lifting the club instead of getting it laid off is the reason we don't even have to make a big turn. The reason people make a big turn is because they're told that's what they have to do for the best rotational swing.
Well, you know my answer to that!
Keep it vertical,
The Surge!
Don Trahan
PGA Master Professional
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