Golf Performance Physical Therapy in Chardon, OH
Your body is holding back your golf game.
Your back aches by the back nine. Your hips feel stiff, your elbow flares up, and you're losing distance every season. You've taken lessons, but the swing your pro wants is one your body won't let you make.
You deserve to play pain-free and play your best. You deserve a provider who knows the golf swing and your body.
We know how frustrating this is
Most of our clients come to us after other treatments didn't work. We know how discouraging it is to hurt, feel stuck, and not know who to trust. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening, until we understand your story and your goals.
We've helped thousands of active people regain confidence, strength, and control, even after other treatments didn't work.
Golf problems we help with
Low back pain during or after a round
Hip stiffness and lost rotation
Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow
Shoulder and neck pain from the swing
Lost distance, speed, and power
Swing faults caused by mobility or strength limits
Returning to golf after injury or surgery
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy who holds a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certification. We listen to your goals, your game, and what you've already tried.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. We use the TPI body screen to see how your body moves and connect it to your swing. Then we explain what's limiting you in clear, simple language, and we're happy to work alongside your golf instructor.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We use hands-on care, dry needling when it helps, and a golf-specific strength and mobility program, so you swing freely, add power, and stay healthy all season.
What to expect
In most cases, pain is gone within the first month, and often much sooner. But getting out of pain is only the start. Our custom plans of care average about 3 months, with one goal: keeping you out of pain and performing at your highest potential.
What our clients say
"I did consistent physical therapy for a month and a half at a different place with no progress. After signing up with Chardon Performance Therapy I was able to resume golfing in a matter of 3 weeks and have continued to get stronger."
Daniel M. ★★★★★
"The challenge was to release the old golf swing from the entanglements of injury and aging. David provided specific stretches and exercises over a 10 week program that greatly reduced my back pain while also increasing flexibility."
Geoff B. ★★★★★
"I'm noticing how much better my back and hips feel, and how pain-free my golf swing is becoming, thanks to Dr. Nelson at Chardon Physical Therapy and my golf instructor working together."
Jim P. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you wait, golf pain usually gets worse, not better. You play less, enjoy it less, and the swing you want gets further away. You have a lot of rounds left. Let's make them pain-free.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
What is TPI?
The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) is a golf health and fitness education program. Its body screen tests how your body moves and shows how physical limits affect your swing. Dave Nelson, DPT, is TPI certified.
Do I need to be in pain to come in?
No. Many golfers come to us to add speed, improve mobility, or stay healthy as they age. If you want to play better and longer, we can help.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Will you work with my golf pro?
Yes. We're happy to share what we find with your instructor, so your body and your swing improve together.
When should I see a doctor instead?
If your back pain comes with numbness in the groin area, loss of bladder or bowel control, unexplained weight loss, or follows a serious fall, see a physician or go to urgent care right away.
More for golfers: Back Pain for Golfers: Swing Analysis (video) · Back Pain for Golfers: Body Analysis (video) · What Does a Body-Swing Workshop Look Like? (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Golfers come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.