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MSR's Guide to Golf Phase 3 - Horizontal Club Position to Ball Impact

Updated: Dec 5, 2023


Welcome to the third episode of our five-part exploration dissecting the science and biomechanics enveloping the golf swing. As we navigate through each phase, we unveil the muscular choreography fueling this sophisticated dance of power and precision.


In this segment, we spotlight the thrilling transition from the Horizontal Club Position to Ball Impact, a crucial juncture for right-handed golfers. This phase epitomizes the swing's heartbeat, where the acceleration of the downswing culminates in a gratifying connection with the golf ball. Our focus here unveils key players:

  • The pectoralis major emerges as the primary active muscle.

  • The left pectoralis orchestrates left arm abduction and external rotation through an eccentric contraction.

  • The right upper serratus anterior participates in scapular protraction.

  • The left levator scapulae steps in, aiding scapular motion, specifically tilting.

  • The left biceps femoris and vastus lateralis exhibit robust activation.

  • The right abdominal obliques, in harmony with the gluteus medius, facilitate trunk rotation, showcasing a symphony of muscular coordination.


Article Index

 

The Primary Anatomical Structures Involved in Phase 3


For right-handed golfers contending with Phase 3 (Horizontal Club Position to Ball Impact) of the golf swing, it's imperative to assess and target these crucial anatomical structures, each holding a pivotal role in the mechanics of a successful swing:


Left Levator Scapulae:

  • Role: Stabilizes the scapula, ensuring proper shoulder alignment.

  • Visual Clues: Scapular stability issues can lead to misalignment, affecting club positioning and swing effectiveness.

Bilateral Pectoralis Major:

  • Role: Drives arm and shoulder motion forcefully.

  • Visual Clues: Dysfunctional pectoralis major muscles may disrupt the downswing, impacting club control and accuracy.

Right Serratus Anterior:

  • Role: Assists in controlled shoulder blade movement.

  • Visual Clues: Inadequate activation can hinder a smooth swing path, potentially leading to shoulder strain.

Right Abdominal Oblique:

  • Role: Facilitates trunk rotation during the early follow-through.

  • Visual Clues: Inadequate activation may affect posture and control during the transition from ball impact to the horizontal club position, affecting swing efficiency.

Right Gluteus Medius:

  • Role: Contributes to trunk rotation in the early follow-through.

  • Visual Clues: Dysfunction in this muscle can disrupt the transition from the impact phase to the follow-through, impacting overall swing performance.

Left Gluteus Maximus:

  • Role: Provides stability and power during the downswing.

  • Visual Clues: Issues with this muscle can affect energy transfer from the lower to upper body, impacting ball strike efficiency.

Left Biceps Femoris:

  • Role: Stabilizes the leg and facilitates force transfer.

  • Visual Clues: Ineffective activation may affect force transfer, influencing swing momentum.

Left Vastus Lateralis:

  • Role: Aids lower body stability and balance.

  • Visual Clues: Problems with this muscle can compromise a solid base and a smooth transition from impact to follow-through.


 

Motion Specific Release (MSR) for Swing Improvement


When Phase 3 of your golf swing, the transition from Horizontal Club Position to Ball Impact, poses challenges, Motion Specific Release (MSR) offers a practical solution. MSR, a hands-on manual technique, targets restrictions in the anatomical structures crucial to specific swing movements. For those struggling with Phase 3, focus on addressing the mentioned muscles is essential. Additionally, assessing the mobility of the neck, shoulder, spine, and hips is vital, as these joints play a significant role in your golf swing.


Phase 3 - MSR Treatment Demonstration


Watch our video, "Unlocking Golf Phase 3 - Horizontal Club Position to Ball Impact with MSR," featuring Dr. Abelson as he demonstrates the treatment of key structures during the acceleration phase of the golf swing. This pivotal moment marks the continuation of the downswing until the club makes contact with the ball. Gain insights into the science behind your swing, unravel the muscles at work, and discover how Motion Specific Release (MSR) techniques can enhance your golf performance while safeguarding against injuries.


 

Conclusion


In Phase 3 of our golf swing journey, we've arrived at the pivotal moment where the Horizontal Club Position transitions to Ball Impact, a phase that holds the key to unlocking power and precision for right-handed golfers. The dynamic interplay of anatomical structures such as the pectoralis major, levator scapulae, serratus anterior, and many others shapes the success of this critical phase. Recognizing the vital roles these structures play and addressing any limitations or imbalances within them is paramount for a successful and efficient golf swing during Phase 3.


With MSR's targeted treatment of these crucial anatomical structures, golfers can harness the potential for enhanced performance and injury prevention. Furthermore, acknowledging the significance of joint mobility, including the neck, shoulder, spine, and hips, adds another layer of refinement to the golf swing's fluidity. In Phase 3, we've unveiled the secrets to power, precision, and longevity on the golf course, setting the stage for a remarkable journey toward golfing excellence.


 


DR. BRIAN ABELSON DC. - The Author


Dr. Abelson's approach in musculoskeletal health care reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous learning. In his work at Kinetic Health in Calgary, Alberta, he focuses on integrating the latest research with a compassionate understanding of each patient's unique needs. As the developer of the Motion Specific Release (MSR) Treatment Systems, he views his role as both a practitioner and an educator, dedicated to sharing knowledge and techniques that can benefit the wider healthcare community. His ongoing efforts in teaching and practice aim to contribute positively to the field of musculoskeletal health, with a constant emphasis on patient-centered care and the collective advancement of treatment methods.


 

Revolutionize Your Practice with Motion Specific Release (MSR)!


MSR, a cutting-edge treatment system, uniquely fuses varied therapeutic perspectives to resolve musculoskeletal conditions effectively.


Attend our courses to equip yourself with innovative soft-tissue and osseous techniques that seamlessly integrate into your clinical practice and empower your patients by relieving their pain and restoring function. Our curriculum marries medical science with creative therapeutic approaches and provides a comprehensive understanding of musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment methods.


Our system offers a blend of orthopedic and neurological assessments, myofascial interventions, osseous manipulations, acupressure techniques, kinetic chain explorations, and functional exercise plans.


With MSR, your practice will flourish, achieve remarkable clinical outcomes, and see patient referrals skyrocket. Step into the future of treatment with MSR courses and membership!


 

References


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