Golf Physical Therapy in Durham, NC

For a lot of golfers, back or hip pain isn't really about the score. It's about whether you can play the round you love with people you love, and still feel good the next morning. At Equipt For Life, Dr. Daniel Howard, PT, DPT, a Duke-trained Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in spine and chronic pain (and a golfer himself), helps golfers understand what their body is telling them and build the strength and confidence to keep swinging for years.

Your first evaluation is free. Book your free evaluation

Golf-related pain we help with

  • Low back pain during or after a round
  • Hip pain or stiffness that limits your turn
  • Back or hip pain that flares after a range session
  • Sciatica or pain down the leg when you swing or walk the course
  • Getting back to golf after a back or hip injury
  • Wanting more swing speed without paying for it the next day

Why golf asks so much of your back and hips

The golf swing is one of the fastest, most rotational movements most adults do. Your hips, trunk and shoulders share the work of turning back and through. When one link doesn't move well or isn't strong enough, often the hips, other areas tend to pick up the slack, and the low back is frequently the one that speaks up.

That doesn't mean your back is fragile or that golf is bad for you. You are not a car. Your body adapts to the load you give it. For many golfers, pain is a sign that the load has gotten ahead of their capacity, for now. The goal is to build that capacity back up, not to hang up the clubs.

How we help golfers

Every plan is built around you and typically blends:

  • A thorough assessment of how you move, including hip and trunk rotation, balance, and how your body handles the positions of your swing
  • Pain science education, so you understand what your pain means and what it doesn't
  • Hands-on manual therapy when it helps
  • Progressive strength and power training for the hips, trunk and legs, so your body can handle speed and repetition
  • A practical plan for the range, the course and the days in between, so you can keep playing while you build
  • A home program you understand and can keep doing long after our visits end

We don't rebuild swings; that's your golf pro's job. We focus on the body that makes the swing, and we're glad to work alongside your pro.

Why golfers choose Equipt For Life

  • Full 60-minute, one-on-one visits with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, every time
  • A physical therapist who plays the game and understands why you want to get back out there
  • A private clinic in Durham with its own gym, sauna, and cold plunge
  • Transparent self-pay pricing; HSA and FSA cards accepted
  • Early-morning and after-work appointments, Monday through Friday

When to get checked right away

Most golf-related back and hip pain is not dangerous. See a doctor promptly if you notice numbness in the groin or inner thighs, new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, leg weakness that is getting worse, fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain after a fall that makes it hard to put weight on your leg.

Related care at Equipt For Life

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to stop playing golf? Usually not. For many golfers, the plan is about adjusting how much and how hard you play for a while, not quitting. We'll decide together based on how your body responds.

Is the first visit really free? Yes. Your first evaluation is free, so you can learn what's going on and decide on next steps with no pressure.

Do you take insurance? Equipt For Life is a private-pay practice. You can pay with credit/debit, HSA, or FSA. See our policies for details.

Where are you located? 2111 Pershing St, Durham, NC 27705. We see golfers from across Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Triangle.

Ready to get back on the course?

Your body is not a problem; it's a puzzle. Let's figure out what yours needs so golf feels good again.

Book your free evaluation or call (617) 943-7778.