Home of Masters also home to specialized golf clinic

It is estimated that more than 30 million people play golf in the United States. That is a lot of strained backs, shoulders and wrists.

"The most common golf injuries are related to muscle strain in the lower back, as well as shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries," said Dale Godbee, a physical therapist with the MCG Sports Medicine Center. "But proper therapy and adjustments to form can treat and prevent many of these injuries and even enhance a golfer's performance."

That is the ultimate goal of a clinic being offered by the MCG Sports Medicine Center and the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. The area's only specialized golf clinic, it will diagnose and treat golfing-related injuries as well as provide expert assessment to help improve performance.

Physicians and physical therapists trained specifically to treat golf injuries will work with golfers to obtain a detailed history of their golf regimen and past and present injuries. Biomechanical assessment of the hips, spine, shoulders, elbows, hands and wrists, as well as muscle assessment, including flexibility and strength, will help clinicians formulate a specific therapy program to rehabilitate the injury and prevent further injury. Clinicians can prescribe specific strengthening programs based on their assessments and even offer a video golf swing analysis to help pinpoint problem areas.

"By treating injury and improving performance, the right program can help golfers shave strokes off their game," said Godbee.

The clinic can benefit golfers of any age. To make an appointment, call 706-721-3494.