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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (July 13, 2016)
24 Wednesday, July 13, 2016 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Fit For Sisters Andrew Luscutoff Columnist Golf Fitness for a summer of great rounds Golf is a popular activ- ity in Sisters Country — but it brings with it some aches and pains. A quick review of the statistics reveal a com- mon trend: Low back pain, elbow tendonitis, plan- tar (foot) tendonitis, knee pain, and shoulder pain. The repeated stress of twist- ing and explosive swinging put unaccustomed stress on the joints and surround- ing tissues. These aches and pains can be avoided with a little preventative maintenance. To understand how to avoid these injuries one must first understand the mechanics of a golf swing. Local physical therapist Matt Kirchoff, who has a penchant for working with golfers, says the most important factors are the flexibility of the upper and middle back (shoulder area) as well as the hips. “With many of the golf- ers that I work with I see two key areas that lead to injuries, and those are lim- ited mobility of hips and thoracic spine,” he said. “Good mobility here is essential to not only prevent injuries but also to increase club head speed and power into the ball at impact.” Without diligence in exercises and constant upkeep of mobility, it is a challenge to maintain the level needed for an unen- cumbered swing. That’s especially true consider- ing the day-to-day position many work in — seated, with the shoulders for- ward and the hips in a chair position. Both of these do not promote the mobility desired for effective swing mechanics. George Anderson, DPT, of La Grande says: “What I see with some recreational golfers is their sedentary-job-related pos- tures lead to tightness of all regions of the shoulders, spine and hips. Inflexibility will adversely affect a golf- er’s back swing and swing speed. If not addressed through proper conditioning (this) can lead to an overuse injury.” How does one go about preparing oneself for the golf swing? Simple exer- cises which work on flex- ibility, core stability, and rotational strength are all important. Kirchoff says, “If you watch some of the top golf- ers of the PGA tour, their drives look effortless, and that is a result of sequenced hip and thoracic spine mobility.” This can be achieved with a well-thought-out The Garden Angel 541-549-2882 • Bed Care • Irrigation • Natural Lawncare and executed regimen of exercises. In order to know what the right exercises are, seek out a specialist to help. To start, Kirchoff recommends the Titleist Performance Institute webpage as an excellent resource to explore. This is a database of golf-related exercises lead by leaders in the game. Although this is a great way to start, it is important to remember that instruction and demon- stration are crucial to help make sure proper form is used. A person-to-person les- son on exercises is the best approach. A specialist can assess what areas are immo- bile and need the most work. This person can assist in demonstration, talk a person through the exercises, and ensure that they are being done correctly. There are many, many people who can offer such a service in Central Oregon. Once these exercises have been mastered, the golfer will find new poten- tial in their game, they will avoid injury, and find them- selves playing more often. All with a few sessions a week performing specific, targeted exercises. Pamela underwood assists Kaitlynn Davenport, 8, sewing a patchwork beanbag while young assistant Grace Finch, 10, looks on. QUILT SHOW: Education is an important component Continued from page 16 Artists, crafters, and quil- ters from around the world donated hundreds of hand- crafted fabric postcards for sale and auction during quilt week and during the quilt show. Sally Rogers from Eagle Crest was on hand volunteer- ing for the Wish Upon a Card project. She has been volun- teering for the quilt show for 15 years. Rogers also had quilts on display, including one inspired by a Jean Wells’ pattern, “Log Cabin With an Amish Twist.” “I love seeing what people put together using different patterns and colors,” Rogers said. SOQS continued on S u n d a y, s p o n s o r e d b y FivePine Lodge & Conference Center. FreeSpirit Fabric pre- sented guest speaker Kathy Doughty with a self-guided tour of her quilts. Each year hundreds of vol- unteers and businesses pitch in to help in any way they can before, during, and after the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, and each year the show con- tinues to evolve and grow. Hot July Savings! $ Hair & Nails Natural & Artifi cial 541-549-6566 LCB#9352 photo by Jerry baldock 484 W. Washington Ave., Ste. B 300 0 0 DISCOUNT D IS SC O U N T For the month of July when you start a comprehensive treatment program! New Patients Only. Not valid with any other offer. Smile by Mykaila Call today for a FREE exam including y and p X-ray photos! 541-382-0410 410 E. Cascade Ave., Sisters CentralOregonBracePlace.com Hope for a child. Change for a nation. There are a million perfectly understandable reasons not to help. Thankfully, love trumps them all. $37 a month. All the difference in the world. Sponsor a child with a local organization at HopeAfricaKids.com This ad sponsored by The Nugget Newspaper.
