The Best Physical Therapy Treatments for Hikers and Golfers

If you love hiking the trails around North Scottsdale or spending weekends perfecting your golf swing in Peoria, you know how important it is to keep your body feeling good. But let’s be real—whether you’re trekking up steep inclines or playing 18 holes, aches and pains can creep in. Knee pain, stiff hips, and sore backs are common for both hikers and golfers, and if left untreated, they can start to take the fun out of your favorite activities.

That’s where physical therapy comes in. At Impact Physical Therapy, we help active people stay pain-free and moving with treatments designed to improve strength, mobility, and recovery. Whether you’re looking to prevent injuries or get back to the activities you love, here’s how PT can help.

Common Injuries for Hikers and Golfers

Hiking and golfing might seem like completely different sports, but they actually put stress on a lot of the same muscles and joints. Here are some of the most common injuries we see:

For hikers:

• Knee pain – Steep trails and rocky terrain can be tough on your knees.

• Ankle sprains – Uneven ground makes rolled ankles a common issue.

• Lower back and hip stiffness – Long hikes and heavy backpacks can take a toll.

For golfers:

• Lower back strain – The twisting motion of a golf swing can lead to pain over time.

• Golfer’s elbow – Overuse can cause inflammation and soreness in the elbow.

• Shoulder pain – Repetitive swings can lead to rotator cuff issues.

If any of these sound familiar, don’t worry—physical therapy can help you feel better and prevent future problems.

The Best Physical Therapy Treatments for Hikers and Golfers

1. Hands-On Therapy for Pain Relief

If you’re dealing with tight muscles or stiff joints, manual therapy (like massage and joint mobilization) can help loosen things up. Whether you’re hiking Pinnacle Peak or hitting the greens at Troon North, better mobility means better performance.

2. Strength and Stability Training

Strong muscles and good balance are key for both hikers and golfers. Core exercises, hip and glute strengthening, and stability work can help you avoid injuries and improve your endurance on the trails or the course.

3. Movement Assessments to Improve Performance

If you’ve ever wondered why you keep getting the same aches and pains, a bio-mechanical assessment can help. A PT can analyze how you walk, move, and swing to find problem areas—then help you fix them.

4. Dry Needling and Cupping for Recovery

If you’re constantly dealing with sore muscles, these techniques can help speed up recovery and reduce pain. A lot of our patients, especially golfers, find dry needling really helps with lower back and shoulder tightness.

5. Stretching and Mobility Programs

Stretching is one of the easiest ways to prevent injuries, but most people don’t do it enough. We can help you with a customized routine to keep your muscles flexible and ready—whether you’re gearing up for a long hike or a day on the course.

Keep Doing What You Love—Without Pain

Hiking and golfing should be fun, not painful. If you’re dealing with nagging aches or want to prevent future injuries, physical therapy is a great way to stay strong and active. At Impact Physical Therapy, we help hikers and golfers in North Scottsdale and Peoria move better and feel their best.

Ready to get started? Give us a call or schedule an appointment today!