Inside the World of Elite Golf with Dr. Troy Van Biezen: A Crackin' Backs Podcast Episode

Ever wonder what it takes to keep world-class golfers at the top of their game? Dr. Troy Van Biezen, a chiropractor with over 20 years on the PGA Tour, gives us an insider's look on the Crackin' Backs Podcast. Traveling over 200 days a year with some of the biggest names in golf, Dr. Troy has seen the sport evolve from post-round beers in the treatment trailer to a full-blown science of performance, recovery, and injury prevention.
 

The Evolution of Golf Performance

When Dr. Troy first began his journey on the PGA Tour, there was little to no focus on workouts or recovery unless the athlete was injured. Today, the game has transformed into a sport dominated by power, speed, and precision. Players now travel with teams of coaches, chiropractors, trainers, and even mental coaches, all working together to help them achieve their goals. The emphasis is on preemptive care, mobility, and strength rather than reactive treatments. Dr. Troy sums it up perfectly: "Chiropractors are the most important profession in golf because we are the experts in back pain."

Every time a golfer swings a driver, their spine experiences eight times the compressive and shearing forces. As the game shifts toward a focus on speed, players have to deal with these incredible stresses on their bodies. To succeed, it's no longer just about talent—it's about combining technology, biomechanics, and expert care.
 

The Role of Technology in Golf

Technology has revolutionized the way athletes train and recover. Dr. Troy discusses the increasing use of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) tracking devices like the Oura Ring and WHOOP band. These tools help athletes and their teams monitor recovery, ensuring they aren't overtraining. Understanding whether an athlete is in a sympathetic (fight or flight) or parasympathetic (rest and digest) mode is crucial for optimizing performance.

But technology alone isn't enough. It’s the blend of data and experience that allows younger players to compete with veterans. Dr. Troy emphasizes the importance of balancing these two elements for long-term success.
 

Breathing: The Key to Performance and Recovery

An often overlooked aspect of performance, according to Dr. Troy, is breathing. In high-pressure situations, such as a golf tournament, the ability to control your breath can have a profound impact on your mental state and stress levels. By teaching athletes how to regulate their breathing, Dr. Troy helps them tap into their parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes calmness and recovery.

Imagine being in the final round of a major tournament—your heart’s racing, and all eyes are on you. Dr. Troy's methods help these athletes remain calm under pressure, giving them a mental edge over the competition.
 

Life Balance and Mental Coaching

Golf isn’t just about what happens on the course; it’s about managing life off the course as well. Dr. Troy highlights the growing role of life coaches in helping athletes juggle the stresses of travel, family life, and the constant pressure to perform. One key takeaway? The best players have short-term memory. They shake off bad holes quickly and bounce back with laser focus. It's not just their physical game that sets them apart—it's their mental resilience.
 

The Biomechanics of Golf: Fixing the Real Problem

One of the most fascinating parts of the podcast is Dr. Troy's deep dive into the biomechanics of golf. He explains how the repeated high-velocity movements of the sport can create asymmetries in the body, which can lead to injuries. For example, the lumbar spine isn't designed for rotation—it’s built for flexion and extension. If a player lacks proper mobility in their thoracic spine or hips, the lumbar spine will compensate, leading to back issues.

Dr. Troy uses his expertise to identify these asymmetries and correct them, helping athletes avoid injury and improve their performance. He recounts the story of a top NBA player who suffered from back pain due to limited hip rotation. By addressing the underlying issue, Dr. Troy was able to relieve the player's pain and improve his overall movement.
 

Pre-Game Warmups: The Secret to Success

Before you hit the course, Dr. Troy recommends focusing on three key areas: hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders. A combination of stretches—such as hip flexor stretches, thoracic rotational stretches, and shoulder C.A.R.S.—can go a long way in improving your flexibility and mobility.

For the more serious golfer, Dr. Troy suggests incorporating band work, lunges, and even some plyometric exercises to get your body fully activated. These warmups are essential for both amateurs and pros alike, as they can reduce the risk of injury and enhance performance.

At the professional level, warmups can last up to 2.5 hours and include everything from ground-based exercises to med ball throws and TRX work. The goal is to "wake up" the body and get the nervous system firing, ensuring the athlete is ready for the intense demands of the game.
 

Scar Tissue: The Overlooked Factor

One of the biggest mistakes Dr. Troy sees in healthcare is the neglect of soft tissue work. Scar tissue can limit range of motion, lead to compensation patterns, and ultimately result in injury. By addressing these issues before they become problematic, Dr. Troy helps his athletes maintain optimal function and stay pain-free.
 

Hamstring Injuries: It’s Not What You Think

Hamstring injuries are a common issue in golf, but Dr. Troy explains that the real problem often lies elsewhere. Most people try to strengthen the hamstring, but if the glute max isn’t firing properly, the hamstring and adductor longus will have to overcompensate, leading to strain. By addressing the underlying joint dysfunction, Dr. Troy helps his athletes recover faster and prevent future injuries.


Dr. Troy Van Biezen brings a wealth of experience, insight, and cutting-edge knowledge to the Crackin' Backs Podcast. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an amateur looking to improve your game, this episode is packed with practical advice and fascinating stories from the front lines of professional golf. From biomechanics and recovery to mental resilience and life balance, Dr. Troy’s expertise will give you a new appreciation for the complexity of this incredible sport.

Ready to take your golf game to the next level? Tune in to the full episode of Crackin' Backs and get the inside scoop on what it really takes to succeed on the PGA Tour!