How and when to use CBD to help your golf game

More athletes are turning to CBD as a natural alternative to treat injuries and for pain relief. CBD is believed to have a number of therapeutic effects that are beneficial for athletes, from increased recovery to pain management. 

In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from its list of banned substances, however most major athletic organizations still prohibit THC. So before you pick up your CBD product, make sure you research the company well, as some companies may opt to cut corners in the still-unregulated market.

Research suggests that CBD is one of the most effective and safest treatments for pain relief. More golfers are turning to CBD, too -- including Scott McCarron, who partnered with a Colorado-based CBD company to spread the message of how CBD helped improve his focus and help his body recover. 

For golfers, CBD can help with inflammation, pain relief, anxiety, and protect blood vessels from damage.

Let’s take a look at how CBD can treat some of the most common golf injuries.

Helping with Wrist Pain 

Wrist pain is a common repetitive injury that golfers will naturally develop. The repetitive movement of the wrist during the swing can cause great long-lasting discomfort. A sprained wrist is the most common injury golfers at all levels will get. Poor grip and positioning of the hands can also lead to tendonitis. Applying CBD to your wrists can help reduce inflammation, soothe the wrists, and prevent further injury. 

Golfer’s Elbow and CBD

Golfers are prone to getting golfer’s elbow, or elbow tendonitis. As it is one of the most long-lasting injuries, it can be frustrating having to deal with the constant inflammation and pain. Elbow tendonitis is often caused by the repetitive stress on the joints around the elbow when making a swing. A topical CBD cream or salve can help reduce inflammation and joint pain in this area, greatly reducing discomfort and soreness. 

Using CBD for Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Pain 

A more painful injury is shoulder or rotator cuff pain. This type of injury can occur if the golfer doesn’t have proper form or due to the force of the club’s impact against the ball. To manage this pain, golfers can use a CBD cream or salve and apply it to the shoulder and surrounding area. Golfers can also use a CBD-infused cooling gel with menthol -- this will provide long-lasting, soothing relief. 

CBD and Knee Pain 

Standing for hours all day will put extra strain on your knees, causing discomfort and pain. After the end of a long day on the course, golfers can take a CBD oil or cream to help target the area, or they can try out some CBD-infused bath soak/salts and add it to a warm bath for total body relief. Bath soak/salts may also provide immediate pain relief from other injuries, too. 

Lower Back Pain Treatments

Most golfers spend hours in a bent position. This posture puts a lot of pressure on the spine and back muscles. Chronic back pain can be a deterrent for new and seasoned golfers to keep playing. CBD may help relieve the aches of repetitive stress that you may get from playing the game, so you are able to recover faster, and spend less time waiting to get back on the course. 

Helping Ease Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are more common for new golfers who aren’t used to twisting their bodies so much. After a few hours, new golfers may feel their neck tightening, and they may get spasms. After a long day, they can take a topical cream to help manage their neck pain so they can keep learning without having to deal with the added pain. 

Aiding Foot and Ankle Injuries  

Foot and ankle injuries can include ankle sprains, tendonitis, and blisters. These common injuries occur while the golfer is making a swing -- they can slip, lose balance, or perform the swing improperly, leading to injury. After a long day, golfers can rest their feet, and apply a CBD cream to the feet and ankles. 

Many Types of CBD 

Golfers can greatly benefit from taking CBD. CBD can be used to treat existing injuries, as a pain management tool, or as a quick way to get body relief after a long day on the course.

Fortunately, there are also more ways that you can take CBD: there are oils, salves, creams, patches, masks, gummies -- golfers can even indulge in CBD-infused chocolates for a decadent treat at the end of a long day.