How Osteopathy Transformed a Golf Pro's Swing
At Honsberger Physio+, golf isn't just a sport—it's a passion. We've had the privilege of collaborating with top PGA professionals, swing coaches, and trainers across Ontario and beyond. Our dedication to advancing assessment and treatment techniques is unwavering, and we're always on the lookout for ways to improve.
When we say we work collaboratively, we really mean it! One of our in-house Osteopath's, Daniel Snider, teamed up with our golf team to analyze the swing mechanics of Brandon McLeod, the Director of Instruction at AIM Golf Academy. Yes, even top-tier professionals benefit from our protocols!
A Unique Approach to Golf Performance
Daniel met Brandon in our Markham clinic's Golf Simulator training lab where he was working with Adam on some visceral therapy to address ongoing gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Brandon shared that he had a long history of bowel movement difficulties, recently worsened by changes in smell, hinting at a potential malabsorption issue. This warranted further investigation through lab stool testing.
During a quick osteopathic visceral assessment, Daniel placed his hand on Brandon's abdomen to identify tensions, pulls, pushes, or general dysfunctions. Immediately, Daniel noticed significant tension in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) and residual tension between the liver and stomach.
Anatomy Note: The duodenum wraps around the head of the pancreas. One of the pancreas's functions is to produce pancreatic juice, which mixes with bile from the gall bladder in the duodenum, aiding in fat breakdown.
With limited time, Daniel performed a modified "digestive triangle" technique to reduce fascial tension and adhesions in the area. This also relieved tension between the stomach and liver.
Immediate Impact on Swing Mechanics
After the treatment, Brandon retested his golf swing. The results were immediate and remarkable. Using the pressure mat in our golf performance lab, Brandon found he could rotate his body more easily and shift his weight to his heel—something he struggled with before. This improvement underscores how digestive tissue tension can significantly impact biomechanics and athletic performance.
Insights from a Golf Professional
Brandon McLeod, Director of Instruction at AIM Golf Academy, shared his experience:
"Following the 'digestive triangle' technique for my GI issues, I noticed a significant improvement in my golf swing timing. Not only could I shift my weight to my heel more effectively, but I could also do so sooner—something I had struggled with for over a year.
After countless video reviews and failed attempts, I was finally able to achieve the correct positions thanks to Adam and Daniel's collaborative approach. Incorporating new drills into my practice has further enhanced my performance. Moreover, my daily quality of life has improved drastically, with better bowel movements and a noticeable uplift in my mood.
The treatments can be intense, often triggering a nauseous feeling, but the results are worth it. The day after treatment, I feel lighter, more connected to my core, and overall happier."
Brandon McLeod, Director of Instruction, AIM Golf Academy
Comprehensive Care for Optimal Performance
At Honsberger Physio+, we believe that addressing the root cause of symptoms can have widespread benefits. Our team of Sport Physios, Osteopaths, Athletic Therapists, Trainers, and Massage Therapists in Markham and Aurora collaborates to ensure our clients succeed both in daily life and sports.
If you're struggling with rotation, weight transfer, or an inconsistent golf swing, the true cause might be more deep-rooted than you think. We invite you to discover the difference our comprehensive approach can make.
Book Your Golf Assessment at Honsberger Physio+ Today!
Additional Resources:
Learn about our Golf MRI in Markham
Learn about all of our Golf Performance Services
On The Blog: Core Training for Golfers
