Essential Golf reports that in the past year, more than 6 million Americans played screen golf. Whether playing at home or at an indoor facility offering a virtual experience, the sport is surging in popularity.

Golf simulators are also finding their way into physical therapy practices. “The high-end models have optically enhanced radar tracking technology that provides an incredible amount of data in terms of golf swing, ball launch and ball flight,” said Jamie Osmak, CSCS, FRCms, TPI, USGTF, exercise physiologist at HSS. 

For devoted players looking to get back in the game after an injury or surgery, the objective information provided by the simulator can be a valuable supplement to the doctor’s recommendations and rehab program developed by a physical therapist or exercise physiologist.

“Golfers with a musculoskeletal injury often progress well through physical therapy but feel they need something more to give them confidence in returning to the course,” said Andrew Paul Creighton, DO, physiatrist at HSS. 

Patient education is critical when a golfer has an orthopedic condition or sustains an injury, according to James F. Wyss, MD, physiatrist at HSS “The goal is to teach golfers exercises to help them move better and get stronger.  We discuss the kinds of exercises they do when they’re not playing to improve their physical condition and handle golfing better,” he explained.

A novel study at HSS Florida will utilize a new golf simulator to evaluate players with arthritis both before and after joint replacement surgery. “Our system employs advanced technology and complex algorithms to deliver a realistic and immersive virtual golf experience,” explains Ryan W. Simovitch, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS and principal investigator.

Read the full article at essential.golf.