Golf swing made to perfection

Golfers must stay in shape to compete at any level. Local physical therapist and certified golf fitness specialist Matt Smalling believes all golfers can benefit from a golfspecific exercise program.

"Most golfers don't realize how much stress is place on the body during the golf swing," said Smalling, who specializes in golf swing analysis.

"The compressive forces on the lumbar spine are eight times your body weight," he said.

"If you don't have adequate flexibility and strength, then injury is more likely to occur. In addition, each swing fault can be attributed to a physical limitation."

Smalling, who works at Athletic Development Center, which is at both the Westlake Village and Simi Valley offices of AthleticPT, performs a comprehensive evaluation of strength, range of motion, balance and power before starting any exercises.

"A senior golfer may need more emphasis on flexibility while women or juniors may need more core and extremity strength," Smalling said.

The goal of Smalling's golf program is to improve the player's efficiency, meaning faster club-head speed with less effort and improved balance.

For more information about Smalling's services, call (805) 551-1683 or visit www. athleticdevelopmenthome.com.