Warm Up and Cool Down

The physical requirements of gardening call for us to begin just like we would any other activity – with a 5 to 10 minute warm-up. Gentle stretches or walking help to get the blood flowing and prevent muscles stiffness and injury during or after digging, raking or planting. And don’t forget to cool down after you’re done, particularly stretching the back, arms and shoulders, to help release any muscle tension. Spending just 5 minutes stretching will improve your recovery for the next day.

Take Breaks and Vary Tasks

It’s easy to get caught up in the job, staying in one spot in the same position for long periods of time, but it is important to take breaks every 20-30 minutes. Taking a few minutes to stretch, sit down and hydrate enables the joints and muscles to recover and prevent injury. Some recommend setting a timer on your phone to remind you to stop for a bit. Then, after your break, begin a different kind of gardening task so the body is in a different position and using different muscles.

Choose Joint-Friendly Tools

• First, do NOT sit on your knees. Utilize a knee pad or gardening stool to relieve stress on your knees and hips. 
• Tools with extendable handles allow you to work while standing or sitting on your stool.
• Pulling a gardening wagon, rather than lifting a heavy wheelbarrow, allow you to safely move plants, soil and mulch.
• Ergonomic tools with padded handles reduce the toll on fingers, hands and arms.

Utilize Proper Mechanics

• Lift with your knees.
• Don’t lift more than you can handle. Break things up into smaller loads.
• Avoid twisting to prevent unnecessary strain. Instead, as you move an object, take a step or two as you rotate, and then set the object down.
• Maintain proper posture with your shoulders back and head up. Limit positions where you are hunched over straining your neck.

Plan Your Garden

Careful planning of your garden can also ensure you can continue to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of gardening without subsequent joint or muscle pain. Building elevated beds bring the flowers and plants closer to you, helping you to avoid bending, stooping and kneeling. The use of container gardens allows you to prepare pots in a standing or seated position before placing them in the garden. Finally, utilizing native plants, which require no fertilization, less water and can thrive on their own, reduces maintenance throughout the summer.

Think of your body as THE most important tool you will use in your garden. Taking proper care of your joints and muscles before, during and after you work will help you safely tend to your garden all summer long.

The post Helpful Tips to Avoid Joint and Muscle Pain While Gardening appeared first on Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

“It is through our patient-first care and our excellent results that Crystal Clinic is humbly recognized by our peers,” said Ian Gradisar, M.D., Director of Inpatient Surgery, Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

Doctors chosen for this honor are determined by impartial peer review through an online survey sent to all certified doctors in the Cleveland area. Cleveland Magazine partners with Professional Research Services to conduct this survey and tabulate the thousands of votes cast to honor excellence in the medical field.

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen by my peers for this unexpected recognition. I strive to treat my patients as I would treat my family, and this honor motivates me to continue this focus,” said Erin Dean, M.D., Crystal Clinic orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon. “I am grateful to my staff and colleagues at Crystal Clinic who help to deliver exceptional care to our patients every day.”

“This recognition belongs to our entire team; every nurse, tech, and colleague who help turn surgical skill into patient hope,” said Daniel Yoho, M.D., Crystal Clinic plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “Serving Northeast Ohio has been a privilege. These awards renew my commitment to deliver world-class care close to home.”

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About Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

Nationally renowned for orthopaedic care, Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center is a physician-owned, orthopaedic specialty hospital system with board-certified/board-eligible surgeons, most with advanced fellowship credentials in their orthopaedic specialty, who collectively perform thousands of surgeries annually. As a national destination center of excellence, Crystal Clinic is a top 100 hospital in America, and is one of just three out of the 6,120 hospitals in the nation to receive The Joint Commission certifications in total hip, total knee, total shoulder, and spinal fusion procedures. Crystal Clinic hospital system is ranked #1 in Ohio and in the top 100 of U.S. hospitals by CareChex/Quantros Analytics’ objective review of all U.S. hospitals and health systems. Crystal Clinic has also earned the nation’s highest five-star rating in patient experience and overall hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement by Healthgrades. Crystal Clinic is based in Northeast Ohio with 17 clinic, hospital and surgery locations, including several Crystal Clinic QuickCare^TM locations that provide immediate, walk-in care for sports and orthopaedic injuries. Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons, a division of Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center, are experts in treating soft tissue defects related to orthopaedic injuries and provide the entire spectrum of plastic surgery – from reconstruction to cosmetic procedures. Crystal Clinic’s highly advanced, state-of-the-art surgical hospital is the only hospital devoted exclusively to orthopaedics and plastic/reconstructive care.

The post 20 Crystal Clinic Physicians Named Best Doctors in Cleveland Magazine appeared first on Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

With studies showing that more than 36 million Americans have taken up pickleball, it’s no surprise we are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries.

The side-to-side movements and rapid changes of direction with pickleball can be hard on ankles, hips, and knees. The repetitive motion of swinging the paddle can lead to Pickleball Elbow – or injury to the surrounding tendons – and shoulder impingement. Fractures of the hand and wrist are the most common injuries from falls on the court.

The rise of these injuries should not steer anyone away from continuing to play or taking up the sport, but they do serve as a warning to follow proper preparation to prevent chronic or acute injury.

Here are five steps from the orthopaedic specialists at Crystal Clinic to help you avoid pickleball injury:

• Be Aware of Your Physical Condition – For all players, but particularly for those who do not exercise regularly, start out slow to give your body time to adjust to a new activity. Begin with one or maybe two sessions per week. Pay particular attention if you have an existing injury or arthritis of one or more joints. Cross training, with a focus on core exercise, promotes stability and function.
• Warm Up and Cool Down – Pickleball is no exception to the rule of warming up with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching the calves, quads, hamstring, lower back, shoulders and elbows. Once play is finished, gentle stretching and walking helps prevent muscle soreness. 
• Choose the Right Equipment – Invest in the proper equipment to keep you safe. Paddles should be able to absorb the impact of the ball, properly sized for your hand, and not too heavy to swing. Play in court or tennis shoes, rather than running or walking shoes, with soles intended to provide proper ankle support and traction to prevent slipping and sliding.
• Use Proper Form – For players of all levels, consider taking a few lessons to learn how to move safely on the court and employ the proper swing technique.
• Take Time to Recover – Allow your body time to recover. Muscle soreness after play can typically be treated with RICE – rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, if you experience chronic or acute pain, consult your orthopedic physician. With chronic pain, it may also be time to consider taking an extended break to allow the body time to recover.

While injury can happen in any physical activity, pickleball is a great sport for all ages and physical abilities – if you take the proper steps to protect yourself. Perhaps most importantly, it is a fun and enjoyable way to get in a workout.

The post 5 Steps to Avoid Pickleball Injury appeared first on Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

Treatments provided for chronic pain include physical therapy, medication management and minimally invasive interventional procedures to reduce inflammation, block pain signals, and improve function, including epidural steroid injections, selective nerve root blocks and radiofrequency ablation.

“Crystal Clinic is nationally-renowned and #1 in Ohio for orthopaedic care, and we look forward to serving Canton and surrounding communities with this same commitment to excellence in pain management. We are also pleased to offer the latest treatments in the ever-evolving field of pain management to minimize our patients’ chronic pain and improve their quality of life,” said Timothy Ko, M.D., interventional pain specialist at Crystal Clinic.

Dr. Ko, a board-certified and fellowship-trained pain medicine specialist and anesthesiologist, and his expert team will see patients in Canton. The Canton clinic is located at 4466 Fulton Dr. NW. Select pain management procedures may be performed at Crystal Clinic in Fairlawn, under the direction of Dr. Ko.

Crystal Clinic Pain Management is in-network for AultCare. Appointments or referrals to Crystal Clinic Pain Management may be made by calling 330-668-6789. To learn more, visit crystaclinic.life.

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About Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

Nationally renowned for orthopaedic care, Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center is a physician-owned, orthopaedic specialty hospital system with board-certified/board-eligible surgeons, most with advanced fellowship credentials in their orthopaedic specialty, who collectively perform thousands of surgeries annually. As a national destination center of excellence, Crystal Clinic is a top 100 hospital in America, and is one of just three out of the 6,120 hospitals in the nation to receive The Joint Commission certifications in total hip, total knee, total shoulder, and spinal fusion procedures. Crystal Clinic hospital system is ranked #1 in Ohio and in the top 100 of U.S. hospitals by CareChex/Quantros Analytics’ objective review of all U.S. hospitals and health systems. Crystal Clinic has also earned the nation’s highest five-star rating in patient experience and overall hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement by Healthgrades. Crystal Clinic is based in Northeast Ohio with 17 clinic, hospital and surgery locations, including several Crystal Clinic QuickCare^TM locations that provide immediate, walk-in care for sports and orthopaedic injuries. Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons, a division of Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center, are experts in treating soft tissue defects related to orthopaedic injuries and provide the entire spectrum of plastic surgery – from reconstruction to cosmetic procedures. Crystal Clinic’s highly advanced, state-of-the-art surgical hospital is the only hospital devoted exclusively to orthopaedics and plastic/reconstructive care.

The post Crystal Clinic Pain Management Expands Services to Canton appeared first on Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

Treatments provided for chronic pain include physical therapy, medication management and minimally invasive interventional procedures to reduce inflammation, block pain signals, and improve function, including epidural steroid injections, selective nerve root blocks and radiofrequency ablation.

“Crystal Clinic is nationally-renowned and #1 in Ohio for orthopaedic care, and we look forward to serving Ashtabula and surrounding communities with this same commitment to excellence in pain management. We are also pleased to offer the latest treatments in the ever-evolving field of pain management to minimize our patients’ chronic pain and improve their quality of life,” said Timothy Ko, M.D., interventional pain specialist at Crystal Clinic.

Dr. Ko, a board-certified and fellowship-trained pain medicine specialist and anesthesiologist, and Abigail Bell, APRN, a board-certified Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, will see patients in Ashtabula. The Ashtabula clinic is located at 416 W. 27th St. Select pain management procedures may be performed at Crystal Clinic in Fairlawn, under the direction of Dr. Ko.

Appointments or referrals to Crystal Clinic Pain Management may be made by calling 330-668-6789. To learn more, visit crystaclinic.life.

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About Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

Nationally renowned for orthopaedic care, Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center is a physician-owned, orthopaedic specialty hospital system with board-certified/board-eligible surgeons, most with advanced fellowship credentials in their orthopaedic specialty, who collectively perform thousands of surgeries annually. As a national destination center of excellence, Crystal Clinic is a top 100 hospital in America, and is one of just three out of the 6,120 hospitals in the nation to receive The Joint Commission certifications in total hip, total knee, total shoulder, and spinal fusion procedures. Crystal Clinic hospital system is ranked #1 in Ohio and in the top 100 of U.S. hospitals by CareChex/Quantros Analytics’ objective review of all U.S. hospitals and health systems. Crystal Clinic has also earned the nation’s highest five-star rating in patient experience and overall hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement by Healthgrades. Crystal Clinic is based in Northeast Ohio with 17 clinic, hospital and surgery locations, including several Crystal Clinic QuickCare^TM locations that provide immediate, walk-in care for sports and orthopaedic injuries. Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons, a division of Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center, are experts in treating soft tissue defects related to orthopaedic injuries and provide the entire spectrum of plastic surgery – from reconstruction to cosmetic procedures. Crystal Clinic’s highly advanced, state-of-the-art surgical hospital is the only hospital devoted exclusively to orthopaedics and plastic/reconstructive care.

The post Crystal Clinic Pain Management Expands Services to Ashtabula appeared first on Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

Treatments provided for chronic pain include physical therapy, medication management and minimally invasive interventional procedures to reduce inflammation, block pain signals, and improve function, including epidural steroid injections, selective nerve root blocks and radiofrequency ablation.

“Crystal Clinic is nationally-renowned and #1 in Ohio for orthopaedic care, and we look forward to serving Ashtabula, Canton and the surrounding communities with this same commitment to excellence in pain management. We are also pleased to offer the latest treatments in the ever-evolving field of pain management to minimize our patients’ chronic pain and improve their quality of life,” said Timothy Ko, M.D., interventional pain specialist at Crystal Clinic.

Dr. Ko, a board-certified and fellowship-trained pain medicine specialist and anesthesiologist, and his expert team will see patients in Ashtabula and Canton. The Ashtabula clinic is located at 416 W. 27th St., while the Canton clinic is located at 4466 Fulton Dr. NW. Select pain management procedures may be performed at Crystal Clinic in Fairlawn, under the direction of Dr. Ko.

Appointments or referrals to Crystal Clinic Pain Management may be made by calling 330-668-6789. To learn more, visit crystaclinic.life.

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About Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

Nationally renowned for orthopaedic care, Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center is a physician-owned, orthopaedic specialty hospital system with board-certified/board-eligible surgeons, most with advanced fellowship credentials in their orthopaedic specialty, who collectively perform thousands of surgeries annually. As a national destination center of excellence, Crystal Clinic is a top 100 hospital in America, and is one of just three out of the 6,120 hospitals in the nation to receive The Joint Commission certifications in total hip, total knee, total shoulder, and spinal fusion procedures. Crystal Clinic hospital system is ranked #1 in Ohio and in the top 100 of U.S. hospitals by CareChex/Quantros Analytics’ objective review of all U.S. hospitals and health systems. Crystal Clinic has also earned the nation’s highest five-star rating in patient experience and overall hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement by Healthgrades. Crystal Clinic is based in Northeast Ohio with 17 clinic, hospital and surgery locations, including several Crystal Clinic QuickCare^TM locations that provide immediate, walk-in care for sports and orthopaedic injuries. Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons, a division of Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center, are experts in treating soft tissue defects related to orthopaedic injuries and provide the entire spectrum of plastic surgery – from reconstruction to cosmetic procedures. Crystal Clinic’s highly advanced, state-of-the-art surgical hospital is the only hospital devoted exclusively to orthopaedics and plastic/reconstructive care.

The post Crystal Clinic Pain Management Expands Services to Ashtabula and Canton appeared first on Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

Physicians chosen for this honor are nominated by their peers and recognized for providing the highest quality, innovative care in the region. It is this care that has earned Crystal Clinic its nationally-renowned reputation and position as one of the Top Hospitals in America for Overall Surgical Care, Joint Replacement, Major Orthopaedic Surgery, Spinal Fusion, and Spinal Surgery.

“The founding physicians of Crystal Clinic had the vision to elevate orthopaedic and reconstructive care by attracting the best and brightest physicians and staff to our region,” said Paul Fleissner, M.D., Chairman of the Crystal Clinic Board of Managers and a Top Doctor. “I am humbled to be included in this list of Top Doctors and salute my fellow honorees from Crystal Clinic, as well as all our physicians who continue our founders’ legacy of providing exemplary care.”

Congratulations to the following Crystal Clinic physicians who were named to the 2025 Top Doctors list in Akron Life:

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About Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

Nationally renowned for orthopaedic care, Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center is a physician-owned, orthopaedic specialty hospital system with board-certified/board-eligible surgeons, most with advanced fellowship credentials in their orthopaedic specialty, who collectively perform thousands of surgeries annually. As a national destination center of excellence, Crystal Clinic is a top 100 hospital in America, and is one of just three out of the 6,120 hospitals in the nation to receive The Joint Commission certifications in total hip, total knee, total shoulder, and spinal fusion procedures. Crystal Clinic hospital system is ranked #1 in Ohio and in the top 100 of U.S. hospitals by CareChex/Quantros Analytics’ objective review of all U.S. hospitals and health systems. Crystal Clinic has also earned the nation’s highest five-star rating in patient experience and overall hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement by Healthgrades. Crystal Clinic is based in Northeast Ohio with 17 clinic, hospital and surgery locations, including several Crystal Clinic QuickCare^TM locations that provide immediate, walk-in care for sports and orthopaedic injuries. Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons, a division of Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center, are experts in treating soft tissue defects related to orthopaedic injuries and provide the entire spectrum of plastic surgery – from reconstruction to cosmetic procedures. Crystal Clinic’s highly advanced, state-of-the-art surgical hospital is the only hospital devoted exclusively to orthopaedics and plastic/reconstructive care.

The post 30 Physicians from Crystal Clinic Named Top Doctors in Akron Life Magazine appeared first on Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

For the tournament, Crystal Clinic will once again host its centrally-located “Chat and Chill” spectator area next to the Club House and 10^th tee. The area provides comfortable seating where attendees can relax for a moment while spending a day at the course. Physicians, physical and occupational therapists, pain management specialists, and other staff from Crystal Clinic will be on hand to engage with spectators and answer questions. There will also be give-aways and a daily putting contest for a chance to win $100 gift certificates from Firestone Country Club’s pro shop.

Crystal Clinic physicians and staff who are volunteering in the “Chat and Chill” spectator area are led by Danielle Johnson, PT, DPT, MSPT, Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Crystal Clinic, and Megan James, LPN, Practice Manager of Crystal Clinic QuickCare.

“As a Top 100 hospital in America for orthopaedic care, Crystal Clinic is committed to getting our patients back to the activities they enjoy most. For many, that includes golf. That’s what makes this a perfect opportunity to align our nationally-renowned orthopaedic care, which is also ranked #1 in Ohio, with a major, international golf tournament held right in our own backyard,” said Johnson “We are proud to be part of Northeast Ohio’s premier golf event, while engaging with not only event spectators but also more than 700 volunteers who make this annual event a huge success.”

To learn more about Crystal Clinic’s services or to schedule an appointment online 24/7, visit crystaclinic.life.

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About Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

Nationally renowned for orthopaedic care, Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center is a physician-owned, orthopaedic specialty hospital system with board-certified/board-eligible surgeons, most with advanced fellowship credentials in their orthopaedic specialty, who collectively perform thousands of surgeries annually. As a national destination center of excellence, Crystal Clinic is a top 100 hospital in America, and is one of just three out of the 6,120 hospitals in the nation to receive The Joint Commission certifications in total hip, total knee, total shoulder, and spinal fusion procedures. Crystal Clinic hospital system is ranked #1 in Ohio and in the top 100 of U.S. hospitals by CareChex/Quantros Analytics’ objective review of all U.S. hospitals and health systems. Crystal Clinic has also earned the nation’s highest five-star rating in patient experience and overall hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement by Healthgrades. Crystal Clinic is based in Northeast Ohio with 17 clinic, hospital and surgery locations, including several Crystal Clinic QuickCare^TM locations that provide immediate, walk-in care for sports and orthopaedic injuries. Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons, a division of Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center, are experts in treating soft tissue defects related to orthopaedic injuries and provide the entire spectrum of plastic surgery – from reconstruction to cosmetic procedures. Crystal Clinic’s highly advanced, state-of-the-art surgical hospital is the only hospital devoted exclusively to orthopaedics and plastic/reconstructive care.

The post Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center Partners with PGA Tour Champion Tournament, Northeast Ohio’s Premier Golf Event appeared first on Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

Crystal Clinic’s orthopaedic surgeon Mollie Manley, M.D., who is board-certified and fellowship-trained in surgery of the hand and upper extremities, serves on the Northeast Ohio Board of Directors of the Arthritis Foundation. She has brought together a group of world-class surgeons from Crystal Clinic and their guests to participate in this annual event.

“As a long-time supporter of the Arthritis Foundation, Crystal Clinic is proud to support this annual fundraiser,” said Dr. Manley. “As orthopaedic surgeons, we see first-hand the effects of this debilitating condition on our patients, as we strive to help them manage their arthritis symptoms and improve their health, well-being and quality of life. It is truly an honor to be part of finding a cure for arthritis and funding programs that support those who are affected.”

The Silver Spoon Awards Party is held in downtown Cleveland at Huntington Bank Field, home of the Cleveland Browns. Guests enjoy signature dishes from Northeast Ohio’s award-winning chefs, restaurants, and international wineries, as well as live and silent auctions to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to find a cure. Participating chefs and restaurants are Cleveland Magazine Silver Spoon Award winners and finalists. To learn more, visit clevelandmagazine.com/magazine-events/silver-spoon-awards-party/home.

To learn more about Crystal Clinic’s services or to schedule an appointment online 24/7, visit crystaclinic.life.

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About Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center

Nationally renowned for orthopaedic care, Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center is a physician-owned, orthopaedic specialty hospital system with board-certified/board-eligible surgeons, most with advanced fellowship credentials in their orthopaedic specialty, who collectively perform thousands of surgeries annually. As a national destination center of excellence, Crystal Clinic is a top 100 hospital in America,

and is one of just three out of the 6,120 hospitals in the nation to receive The Joint Commission certifications in total hip, total knee, total shoulder, and spinal fusion procedures. Crystal Clinic hospital system is ranked #1 in Ohio and in the top 100 of U.S. hospitals by CareChex/Quantros Analytics’ objective review of all U.S. hospitals and health systems. Crystal Clinic has also earned the nation’s highest five-star rating in patient experience and overall hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement by Healthgrades. Crystal Clinic is based in Northeast Ohio with 17 clinic, hospital and surgery locations, including several Crystal Clinic QuickCare^TM locations that provide immediate, walk-in care for sports and orthopaedic injuries. Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons, a division of Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center, are experts in treating soft tissue defects related to orthopaedic injuries and provide the entire spectrum of plastic surgery – from reconstruction to cosmetic procedures. Crystal Clinic’s highly advanced, state-of-the-art surgical hospital is the only hospital devoted exclusively to orthopaedics and plastic/reconstructive care.

The post Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center Proudly Supports the Arthritis Foundation Silver Spoon Awards Party appeared first on Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.

In most cases, the answer is “yes.” After recovery, not only can you golf, but you will likely find your game is better. Performance is often improved because the pain is gone and range of motion and leg strength have been restored.

The answer to “when” varies between patients based on their overall health, dedication to physical therapy, the type of surgery and the surgical side. For example, if your joint replacement is on the side of your dominant golfing hand, you may be cleared sooner than if it’s on the opposite side, which bears the brunt of the golf swing. 

Also, those having hip surgery may need to be more patient. While overall healing time for hip replacement tends to be faster than for the knee, returning to golf requires more caution. Hips absorb the force of the swing as the body rotates. Starting too early risks injury and, even worse, dislocation due to surrounding muscles not being fully healed and strong enough.

As a rule of thumb, most patients can expect to begin chipping and putting at around 4 weeks post-op. They can begin hitting short irons at around 6 weeks, then advancing to long irons and woods as they begin to feel better swinging the clubs. Again, no recovery is the same and you should always check with your doctor before picking up your clubs.

Once you are cleared to play, the experts at Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center recommend the following 6 tips for a safe return:

1. Confirm you’re ready. In addition to clearance from your physician, consult with your physical therapist to ensure you have proper range of motion and strength. You should feel comfortable with regular activities like walking and riding a stationary bike.
2. Assess your swing. Have a golf pro assess or correct your swing to prevent unnecessary stress on your new joint and the rest of your body. Use a light grip as you swing.
3. Begin at the driving range. After taking time to practice putting and chipping, start slowly at the driving range to practice proper form. Take breaks between shots to prevent overdoing it.
4. Use a golf cart. Start with a cart to reduce the number of steps you are taking and to avoid added pressure on the affected joints by carrying clubs.
5. Start with short courses or play 9 holes. Start slowly and gradually turn to more challenging courses as you build strength and stamina.
6. Listen to your body. In most cases, your body will let you know if you are overdoing it. Stiffness, swelling, discomfort, reduced mobility or popping sensations are signs you should ease back and consult your physician.

After a long winter, we are all excited to get outside. If you had a hip or knee replacement over the winter, check with your physician, start slowly and ensure proper form as you head back to the course.

The post Can You Golf after Joint Replacement? appeared first on Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center.