Playing golf successfully after a shot for fun and exercise

There is no denying that stroke survivors have a lot to deal with as they go through the rehabilitation process and learn to live with physical limitations. Unfortunately, too many people treat stroke as a sign that they can no longer enjoy physical activities. For stroke survivors who love to play golf, those so-called physical limitations are not as pronounced as one might imagine.

Playing golf again is a real possibility

Except in the worst case, the only thing that keeps most stroke survivors from returning to the golf course is the assumption that they can’t. That assumption is wrong in many ways. Will your golf game be as competent as it was before the shot? Probably not, but everything in life changes after a medical trauma. The reality is that golf courses are going nowhere and any golfer who wants to play golf belongs to the golf course. That includes stoking the victims who love the game.

It only takes three things to make this happen. First, the person affected by the stroke must believe that they can do it. Second, they must accept certain limitations and learn to play within themselves. Finally, the stroke victim needs to minimize expectations and maximize the joy that comes from being on a golf course rather than lying in bed feeling disabled.

The Benefits of Playing Golf for Stroke Survivors

The benefits of being able to return to the golf course will touch almost every aspect of the hit survivor’s being. From a physical standpoint, they get the health benefits of fresh air and exercise. The doctor often encourages stroke victims to exercise their muscles and get their heart beating again. Walking and swinging a stick helps move all the correct muscles and restores balance and coordination.

When it comes to mental and emotional problems, there is nothing that revitalizes the spirit and soul more than overcoming impossible obstacles to achieve something important. If a golfer loves to play golf, then learning to do it again in a different set of circumstances is an achievement that should bring a great sense of pride to a disabled golfer. In many cases, depression is actually a greater threat to well-being than one stroke or another. By going out onto the golf course and showing that you are still a player, the affected individual will no longer feel as affected.

Finally, it is very valuable to participate in a social activity for a stroke survivor who has been hospitalized and / or homebound for a period of time. The opportunity to hang out with friends and golf buddies makes a person feel like they are still a part of life here on this planet.

Exercises designed to make golf easier for the hit victim

As you contemplate the first round of golf after the shot, there are several exercises that can help restore stamina, balance, and coordination. Walking is a must. Even cart users will record the distance during a round of golf. By going for a walk every day, you will improve your stamina on the golf course. For balance and coordination, doctors recommend sitting on a stability ball, but for those affected by a stroke, a physical therapist should be around unless one has made progress. By doing this exercise for a few minutes every day, your balance and the ability to control your arms and legs will show noticeable improvement over time. A more sensible exercise at home would involve the use of a chair. While the person affected by the stroke is standing in a corner of a room, they hold onto the back of the chair and practice moving their hips back and forth and side to side. This is also beneficial for strengthening the weakened side. If the survivor also has dropfoot that many stroke victims experience, a brace recommended by the person’s doctor for their safety. It can be of great help even when using a stroller, as walking can quickly tire a weakened leg at times.

Making golf easier for stroke survivors

The golf world is aware that some stroke victims love golf. With that in mind, there are many custom equipment designers who are more than happy to help design golf equipment that complements a golfer’s disabilities. Another way that golf is made easier for stroke victims is the process of making them feel normal. Disabled golfers are often reluctant to play golf with healthy people for fear of slowing down the group. First of all, golf is a game of courtesy and golfers tend to be very patient with those who may not be as skilled as the others in the group. That said, there are many golf courses that sponsor groups that have disabilities. When playing golf with other disabled golfers, the individual does not feel the need to act, just to enjoy the outing.

Golf is a great sport and activity. If you or someone you know has had a stroke and would still love to hit the links, make it happen. With reasonable expectations, that first round of golf will feel like a rebirth of sorts, taking the hit victim from feeling like a victim and more like a winning survivor.