That Shoulder Pain After Golf? Here’s What Might Be Going On

You played a few extra holes over the weekend, maybe took a couple of aggressive swings, and now your shoulder just doesn’t feel quite right. Sound familiar?

Turns out, your swing isn’t the only thing that needs adjusting.

Golf may seem like a low-impact sport, but it places a significant amount of stress on the shoulder. Each swing involves a complex blend of power, rotation, and control and when something’s even slightly off, your shoulder often takes the hit. Over time, that strain can build up, showing up as lingering soreness, stiffness, or discomfort that sticks around long after the final hole.

How Your Swing Could Be Setting You Up for Shoulder Trouble

From subtle strains to more serious tears, here are the most frequent shoulder injuries we see in golfers, and what might be causing them.

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that stabilize your shoulder joint. During a golf swing, especially the downswing, the rotator cuff endures a lot of force. This can lead to strains or even tears, especially if you’re swinging with poor form or lack shoulder strength.
• Shoulder Impingement: When shoulder muscles get pinched between bones during movement, it’s called impingement. In golf, repetitive overhead or cross-body motions (like swinging) can narrow the space in your shoulder joint, causing sharp pain and inflammation.
• Labral Tears: The labrum is the cartilage that helps keep your shoulder in its socket. A golf swing that involves a sudden jerk or improper rotation can lead to a labral tear, which can feel like a deep pain or a catching sensation in your shoulder.
• Bursitis: This is inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions your shoulder joint. Overuse on the course, especially without warming up, can lead to swelling and pain around the joint.

When Soreness Signals Something More Serious

Post-game soreness can be normal, but if your shoulder pain lasts longer than a day or two, or gets worse, you may be dealing with more than just tight muscles. Keep an eye out for:

• Pain during or after swinging your golf club
• Pain that radiates down the arm
• Trouble lifting your arm overhead
• Clicking or grinding in the shoulder
• Weakness or instability in the joint
• Trouble sleeping on the affected side

Smart Recovery Steps After a Shoulder Flare-Up

If your shoulder is acting up after a round of golf, these simple and effective steps can help reduce pain and get you back on the green.

• Rest and Ice: Give your shoulder a break. Apply ice for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours for the first 48 hours after you feel pain.
• Avoid “Playing Through” the Pain: Doing so can turn a minor strain into a more serious injury.
• Try Gentle Stretching and Mobility Work: Once the pain subsides, light stretching (like cross-body arm stretches or doorway pec stretches) can help.
• Seek Medical Evaluation: If your pain lingers, don’t wait. Our team at OrthoIllinois offers on-site diagnostics, orthopedic care, and physical therapy designed to get you back you back into the swing of things.

Tried Rest and Ice? Here’s When You Need a Specialist

Shoulder pain doesn’t have to be part of your game. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or preparing for your next tournament, we’re here to help you swing smarter, not harder. Our expert shoulder and sports injury specialists at OrthoIllinois are here to help.