Essay On Hamstrings

Tight hamstrings, the muscles in the back of the upper thigh, play a key role in lower back discomfort and pain, and can take away from the efficiency of your golf swing.
Here's a simple test to determine if your hamstrings are tight. Place your feet together and, keeping the knees locked, slowly reach down toward the floor with your fingertips. Don't strain, just go as far as you can till you feel the stretch in the back of the legs. Now bend the knees slightly before you stand back up as this will take the pressure off the back muscles. Keep this in mind the next time you bend over to pick something up off the floor!
Could you touch the floor without bending the knees? If so, you pass, congratulations! If you can't touch the floor, your hamstrings
Once the hip bone rotates downward, as a result of the tight hamstrings pulling on it, the low back muscles become taut as they are attached to the hip bone from above. The simplest of tasks, like picking up a stamp off the floor or reaching for the phone, can strain the low back and create both acute and chronic havoc.
For golfers, this condition hastens the degree of post-round low back stiffness and injury due to the explosive nature of the one-sided golf swing. The rotational component of the swing, as mentioned, is also negatively affected as tight hamstrings may not allow the freedom of movement desired in the hip area. This could detract from the efficiency of the swing and rob you of the ability to generate power and distance.
To prevent and or alleviate this situation, a regular stretching program is warranted. Concentrate on stretches that isolate the back of the thigh for best results. For example, sit on a solid coffee table or place two armless chairs side-by-side and sit on one and place one leg up on the other. Let the foot hang off the edge of the table/chair. Keeping the knee down and the back straight, slowly reach down the leg with your hands, hinging from the hip as you bend forward, till a gentle stretch is felt behind the thigh and/or knee. Keep your chin up. Don't let your chin touch your chest as this will place an unwanted stretch on the back muscles. Repeat
He has established golf fitness programs in the medical fitness center he directs for High Point Regional Health System in High Point, NC, as well as country clubs in the Greensboro, NC, area. His client list includes golfers of all levels and ages including juniors up through and including LPGA players. He's been featured on the GolfersMD website as a golf fitness expert, and has provided workshops for the Golf Academy of America in Myrtle