Tendinitis in my should 'swing' to blame?

[mc0388]

2 months ago I started getting pains in my left shoulder, more specifically the back of my left shoulder. I'm honestly not sure of the injury that was the cause of the pain. But one thing I am certain about is, the only time(s) I cringed in pain because of this injury is at the peak of my backswing. I attached a pic (albeit poor quality) of my swing at the top of my backswing. Is there any visible evidence of what would cause the pain in my shoulder?

Attachment 2081

I realize I have a 'Stack-and-Tilt'-esk type swing. I hear people say that this type of swing puts added pressure on your back/spine, but is there any complaints about shoulder strain or pain?.

[squaddie]

Your backswing position looks fine, I don't see any overstretching or straining.

If it's the back of your shoulder then either your rear deltoid or rotator cuff muscles are affected. Perhaps when not on the course you should take up some mild stretching exercises for the shoulders to keep them limber. Then before playing a round do some light shoulder exercises and stretches to get the muscles up there loosened up.

[verse214]

Last year there was a day at the range where I strained my left shoulder - right underneath my left shoulder blade. It was because I was swinging too hard and I was just a horrible player last year when I started.

Essentially it didn't go away until I rested it for 3 weeks. I was pretty nutso about going to the range 3-5 times a week when I first started and it definitely did not help.

Generally the only way to heal a muscle strain is stretching and lots of rest.

[NormH3]

I was/am having a similar issue. Was out on the driving range some weeks ago and had a similar pain about 2/3 through the bucket. it got so bad, I gave away the leftovers and went home to nurse it. Unfortunately, I missed my employers non-profit tournament because of it. It is still a bit tender but I have been able to practice a few times since then. very strange..just out of the blue. Hopefully, for both of us, it isn't anything permanent.

[bunkerputt]

I had the same thing combined with a pain in the front under my collar bone. Here's what caused it for me:

1. Starting the downswing with the upper body.
2. Doing #1 really hard. I mean 115+ mph on the driver with very little lag and a big casting motion.

Your backswing looks like you have a bit of a reverse pivot and underuse your lower body. For me, those resulted in starting the swing with my shoulders which caused jerky acceleration from a complete standstill putting a lot of strain on the left shoulder during the transition. I can't say that that's how you are starting your swing, so that may not be your problem. But check those things out and be glad it's muscular. I've found my biggest improvements have come after a layoff from injury forcing me to rethink things a bit....

[bman1313]

I have Tendinitis in my left rotator cuff. My shoulder bothers me when I reach the top of my backswing just like you. I went to physical therapy that specialized in sports injuries and the results were immediate. They worked w/ me on exercises that strengthened the muscles around the rotator cuff and worked on range of motion of the shoulder. The people I went to are very good and they understood that not playing was not an option. Good luck w/ the shoulder.

[bman1313]

I don't think your swing is to blame, just need to train the right muscles to do the work.

[Gerardv]

If you go to the doctor make sure they know not playing golf isn't an option as stated by bman1313. After a spinal cord surgery, a major shoulder surgery and two brain surgeries my doctors applauded my "quality of life" even though I wasn't able to play golf.

It took months of reminding but they eventually reazlied that I was going to play golf again and metal plates, tumors and nerve damaged be damned.

Once the realized it they helped me do it safely - or at least as safely as I can.

So, be firm on that issue if you go to the doctor.

[mc0388]

I had the same thing combined with a pain in the front under my collar bone. Here's what caused it for me:

My SS is around 112mph. I dont swing overly hard, I have pretty good tempo. Im trying to fix my reverse pivot, but I do like keeping my hips facing the target, it does create a good bit of power.

Ive been icing the shoulder every night and it seems to help with the pain.

[mc0388]

If you go to the doctor make sure they know not playing golf isn't an option as stated by bman1313. After a spinal cord surgery, a major shoulder surgery and two brain surgeries my doctors applauded my "quality of life" even though I wasn't able to play golf.

Good stuff man

[bunkerputt]

My SS is around 112mph. I dont swing overly hard, I have pretty good tempo. Im trying to fix my reverse pivot, but I do like keeping my hips facing the target, it does create a good bit of power.

How much have you been playing? Maybe it's just an overuse injury. The upper body dive is easy to confirm. Just get on camera and see if your hands are pro-style ahead of the clubhead at impact. If not, you unwound your upper body too soon. Otherwise, just rest and enjoy some video games.