Golf Without Pain? Yes, It's Possible in 6 Weeks
Miss the golf course? Many patients return to golf within weeks of treatment. Learn how to get back to your game without surgery.
By Joint Pain Authority Team
Back on the Course
For many golfers, knee pain means watching from the clubhouse while friends play. But it doesn’t have to be this way:
- Golf is possible even with knee osteoarthritis
- Many patients return to playing within 6 weeks of treatment
- Modern treatments provide months of relief
- Your game can actually improve with proper treatment
The course is waiting. Here’s how to get back.
Why Knee Pain Affects Your Golf Game
The Golf Swing and Your Knees
Golf puts unique demands on your knees:
During the Swing
- Rotation through the lead knee
- Weight transfer stresses both knees
- Follow-through requires knee flexion
- Power comes from ground-up stability
Walking the Course
- 4-5 miles per round
- Hills and uneven terrain
- Getting in/out of cart
- Standing during others’ shots
What Pain Does to Your Game
When your knee hurts, you compensate:
- Shortened backswing → Less power
- Reduced weight transfer → Inconsistent contact
- Guarded follow-through → Slices and hooks
- Early fatigue → Poor back-nine performance
- Mental distraction → Focus on pain, not shot
The Path Back to Golf
Week 1-2: Treatment Phase
Getting Pain Under Control
The first step is reducing pain to a manageable level. Options include:
Viscosupplementation (Gel Injections)
- Quick procedure (30-45 minutes)
- No surgery, no extended downtime
- Relief typically begins within 2-3 weeks
- Medicare-covered for knee osteoarthritis
- Lasts 6-12 months
Physical Therapy
- Strengthens muscles around the knee
- Improves flexibility for golf swing
- Addresses compensation patterns
Week 3-4: Rebuilding Phase
With pain reduced, you can start rebuilding:
- Gentle stretching and range of motion
- Low-impact strengthening exercises
- Practice swings without ball
- Short walks to rebuild endurance
- Putting and chipping (low stress)
Week 5-6: Return to Play Phase
For many patients, this is when golf returns:
- Driving range sessions
- 9 holes with cart
- Focus on smooth swing mechanics
- Gradually increase activity
- Listen to your body
Golfer Success Stories
”I’m Playing Better Than Before”
“I had given up golf after 40 years. My knee just couldn’t take it. Six weeks after my gel injection, I was back on the course. And here’s the funny thing—my swing is actually better now because I’m not compensating for pain anymore.”
— Jim, 71, 15 handicap
”My Buddies Couldn’t Believe It”
“I told my golf group I was done. Couldn’t walk 9 holes anymore. After treatment, I showed up to our regular tee time. They thought I was just going to ride along. When I grabbed my clubs, they couldn’t believe it.”
— Robert, 68, 18 handicap
Tips for Golfing with Knee OA
Equipment Adjustments
- Consider a cart - No shame in riding
- Senior flex shafts - Easier on joints
- Hybrid clubs - Less knee strain than long irons
- Good golf shoes - Stability and support
- Knee brace - If recommended by provider
Swing Modifications
Work with a teaching pro to:
- Widen your stance slightly
- Reduce excessive knee action
- Shorten backswing if needed
- Focus on tempo over power
- Allow the feet to release
Course Management
- Play from appropriate tees
- Take carts on hilly courses
- Bring a cooler with ice packs
- Take breaks between nines
- Know when to stop
When to Seek Treatment
Consider treatment if knee pain is:
- Making you avoid the golf course
- Causing you to use a cart when you prefer walking
- Affecting your swing mechanics
- Limiting you to 9 holes or less
- Taking the joy out of the game
Golf should be enjoyable, not painful.
The Medicare Advantage
If you’re 65+, you likely have Medicare coverage for:
- Viscosupplementation (gel injections)
- Physical therapy
- Knee bracing
- X-rays and evaluation
Typical out-of-pocket for gel injection: $100-$300 after Medicare
Many golfers get 6-12 months of relief—that’s an entire golf season.
Your Game Plan
Ready to get back on the course?
Take our 3-minute Knee Health Score Quiz to find out if you may be a candidate for Medicare-covered treatment.
Take the Quiz
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