[PHOTO: NightAndDayImages]
Tightness in the shoulders and upper back is a common issue for golfers, especially ones who spend a good portion of their non-golf time in a seated position. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see massage chairs set up at tournaments and golfers getting worked on like stock cars at a pit stop.
Here’s the thing: while a massage certainly feels great, it’s not going to make the issues go away long term, says Golf Digest Certified Fitness Trainer Lauren McMillin, who works with golfers in Mississippi. McMillin is a yoga and movement specialist.
“I see a lot of golfers dealing with shortened anterior muscles and weaker posterior muscles and what they experience is tight and tense shoulders,” she says.
“Instinctively, they seek movements or techniques to help stretch those areas without realising that they may already be overly lengthened. Stretching and massage might provide temporary relief, but the root of the problem remains.”
The root problem is often something known as “upper crossed syndrome”. Czech Dr Vladimir Janda introduced the concept in 1979 as a way of explaining what happens when someone develops headaches and chronic tightness in the upper back. As it relates to golf, in addition to creating further discomfort, UCS may contribute to C-Posture, potentially limiting spinal rotation, shoulder turn, distance and clubhead speed.
How to solve your UCS 
“If, however, golfers consider stretching and opening the front of the body while adding movements that strengthen their upper back and shoulders, they can effectively address muscle imbalances, improve posture and alleviate tension and tightness.”
In other words, skip the massage and work on opening up the front side of your torso, such as the pectoral muscles, etc.
