Swing Smarter, Not Harder: How TPI-Certified Physical Therapy Can Improve Your Golf Game

By Dr. Michael E. Pomykala, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CSCS ///

August is National Golf Month, and there’s no better time to talk about how your golf swing—and your body—can work together to not only improve performance but also prevent injury. At Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation in Edgewater, NJ, we see countless patients each year with golf-related injuries. Most of them stem from one key issue: poor movement patterns or physical limitations that directly affect the swing.

As a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified Instructor and Physical Therapist, I take a unique approach to helping golfers of all levels play better, more efficiently, and without pain. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned player, understanding how your body moves is the foundation of a strong, injury-free game.

The TPI Movement Screen: Your Swing Starts Here

Every golfer’s body is different—and that means every swing is different, too. The TPI movement screen is a comprehensive physical assessment that identifies mobility restrictions, strength imbalances, and stability deficits that may be impacting your swing.

We evaluate:

• Posture and spinal alignment

• Hip and shoulder mobility

• Core stability and control

• Balance and movement coordination

Once we identify your physical limitations, we can make direct correlations to your swing inefficiencies—whether it’s early extension, loss of posture, or a reverse spine angle. These aren’t just swing faults—they’re red flags for injury.

Fitness Training Tailored to Your Swing

Based on the TPI screen, we design a customized fitness program to help you move more efficiently. Unlike generic workouts, this golf-specific training addresses the exact muscles and movement patterns needed to support your swing mechanics.

You’ll work on:

• Rotational strength and power

• Hip and thoracic mobility

• Stabilization through the core and lower body

• Neuromuscular control and sequencing

These programs not only enhance performance but reduce your risk of common golf injuries such as low back strain, shoulder impingement, and golfer’s elbow.

When Pain Persists: Golf-Specific Physical Therapy

If you’re already dealing with pain or injury, our physical therapy treatment plans bridge the gap between rehab and performance. We combine hands-on manual therapy, corrective exercises, and functional retraining—always with your golf goals in mind.

Common conditions we treat in golfers include:

• Lumbar spine pain from overuse or poor rotation mechanics

• Shoulder pain from over-swinging or poor scapular control

• Hip tightness or labral irritation from inadequate mobility

• Wrist and elbow overuse injuries from repetitive stress

Our goal is to restore function, correct mechanics, and get you back on the course stronger than ever.

Golf Is a Game of Longevity—Play Smarter This Season

Golf is a lifetime sport—but only if your body can keep up with your passion. Don’t wait until pain forces you to take time off. The earlier we assess and correct your movement, the more effective—and enjoyable—your game becomes.

At Scerbo Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation, our team is ready to help you swing smarter, move better, and play pain-free. As one of the only clinics in the Edgewater area with TPI-certified professionals, we combine clinical expertise with a deep understanding of golf mechanics.

Ready to Elevate Your Game?

Contact Scerbo Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation today to schedule your TPI Golf Movement Screen or a consultation. Let’s work together to help you hit farther, play longer, and avoid the injuries that keep you off the course.

Visit us conveniently located across the Hudson River on 725 River Road, Suite 60, Edgewater, NJ 07020, at the Edgewater Commons Marketplace Plaza.

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Dr. Michael E. Pomykala, PT, DPT, is a graduate of the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, receiving his Bachelor’s in Health Sciences and Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He became a certified personal trainer through the American Aerobic Association International and the International Sports Medicine Association before his start as a physical therapist, and was a competitive bodybuilder throughout college. Dr. Pomykala has a TPI Medical Level 2 Certification as a medical provider within the Titleist Performance Institute network. He is SFMA Level 2 and FMS Level 1 Certified. Along with the FMS screening tool, used to identify imbalances in mobility and stability during functional movements, Dr. Pomykala uses both systems in their diagnostic capacity to identify musculoskeletal dysfunction among individuals affected by pain. He focuses on Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation.

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr.Pomykala or any of our expert licensed physical therapists, please call us at (201) 941-2240 or use our convenient online appointment form.