Why Most Golfers Get Injured (And How to Fix It Before the Season Starts)

Get Golf-Ready: Physical Therapist Robert Pano Shares Injury Prevention Tips in Northborough

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Radio Worcester

Northborough, MA- Robert Pano of Saint Vincent Physical Therapy is helping local golfers rethink how they prepare for the season, shifting the focus from swing mechanics to physical readiness.

Speaking about the demands of the sport, Pano emphasized that golf is far more physically taxing than many players realize.

“My passion is to get people to understand how important fitness is because it’s helped me, and I think it’ll always help them as well.”

According to Pano, the golf swing places a high rotational load on the body, particularly the spine. Without proper conditioning, that repeated stress often leads to injury.

The most common issue he sees is lower back pain.

The root cause is rarely the swing alone. Instead, it comes down to physical limitations:

• Lack of hip mobility
• Poor core and lower body stability
• Compensatory movement patterns

When those weaknesses are present, the body finds ways to complete the motion, often at the expense of long-term health.

Pano draws a clear distinction between instruction and physical preparation.

“Golf pros teach the swing. We teach the body how to do the swing that the golf professional wants.”

That difference matters.

Without the ability to rotate properly or stabilize through the movement, even technically sound swings can break down over time.

Traditional weightlifting alone is not enough for golfers.

Instead, Pano recommends golf-specific training that focuses on:

• Rotational strength
• Core stability
• Controlled mobility

This type of conditioning not only reduces the risk of injury, it also directly improves performance. Golfers who move better generate more power and consistency, often leading to increased distance off the tee.

One of the biggest misconceptions Pano addresses is how injuries occur.

“It’s never just one wrong swing, Hank. It is several of the swings that you do repeatedly with just improper mechanics and conditioning of those muscles.”

That repetition, combined with poor physical preparation, is what leads to breakdown.

Golf Strong Session with Robert Pano, PT

• Date: Wednesday, May 13
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Saint Vincent Physical Therapy at Northborough Crossing