Back Pain

I had a back problem that seriously affected my golf game for a couple of years until I found a doctor who could cure the problem (2 herniated discs) and in two treatments I was pain free. After three treatments my golf game was back to normal and I have remained pain free for over one year.

I highly recommend Dr. Scott Russo if you are having any physical problems. Besides being a wonderful doctor he is a great guy to talk with. He has written the following article describing the treatment and special offer for readers of the Dick McShane Newsletter.

Get off the medical merry-go-round and back on the course

If back pain is holding you back, and pain meds just don’t do the trick, it’s time to look for something different. A new FDA registered technology using a tool called the Disc Pump, is now available in Sacramento. The Disc Pump is the first micro-traction therapy that safely relieves pain from bulged or slipped discs. In most cases, patients are pain-free and back in full swing in less than three weeks. Early MRI studies show amazing results, in the retraction of bulged discs.

To get back into the swing Sacramento area golfers will receive 50% off their first visit (exam and treatment) when you mention this article. Get strong, get healthy and back on the links.

Dr. Scott H. Russo, D.C.
Spinal Health Institute
916-987-5680
www.discpump.net

P.S. The disc pump is a non-invasive, painless procedure.

Tip #1 - Get a copy of one of the monthly golf magazines; find a sequence photo of a player you like and copy their setup. Work on this setup at home in front of the mirror. If you will spend 5 to 10 minutes a day doing this, you will look like a pro in a very short time. The better the setup the easier it is to make a good swing.

Tip #2 - To improve your putting stroke, get a 2x4 that is 24 inches long and practice your stroke by placing the heel of the putter against the board and keep it brushing the board the entire stroke. You can practice just the stroke or if you have indoor / outdoor carpet, putt at a target 5 to 10 feet away, or come to the course and practice on the putting green. Practicing three times a week for 30 minutes at a time for two weeks will make a big difference in your stroke.

Tip #3 - Every player should look at their average score and establish their own personal par for both the round and each hole. If your scores are around 100, a reasonable par might be 90 which would be a bogey on each hole. This approach puts less pressure and tension on each shot and makes the gave more enjoyable.

Play shots and clubs you feel confident and comfortable with. I have seen high handicap players try shots even Tiger would not try. If you can't hit the driver well, use a 3 wood off the tee (I used a 3 wood the first 5 years I played golf.). If long irons are a problem, try a lofted wood (7 or 9).

Success Formula:

1. Correctly fitted clubs.
2. Private lessons.
3. Regular practice (including at least 50% short game).
4. Positive mental attitude.
5. Play in competition.

Reminder, anyone signing up for a series of six lessons with me receives two bonuses:

• A nine hole playing lesson which I use to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your game and to discuss playing strategy.
• A 30 minute session on the launch monitor to check you swing speed, launch angle, ball speed, driving distance, swing path, club face position. Looking at all these factors gives us a good idea of exactly what we need to do to improve your ball striking.

My private, full swing lessons normally include Golf Achiever video system except when weather is a factor.