Unlocking the Secrets of Golf and Chiropractic – ICA ChiroCast: Sports & Fitness with Dr. Casey Buns

Welcome to another edition of the ICA ChiroCast: Sports & Fitness! This week, we’re diving deep into the intersection of chiropractic care and golf with a special guest, Dr. Casey Buns. Dr. Buns, a chiropractor based in Davenport, Iowa, brings a wealth of experience from working with various athletes, including hockey players, track athletes, and football players. However, his passion lies particularly in the sport of golf, which led him to attain certification from the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). Let’s explore the unique ways chiropractic care is elevating athletic performance, particularly in golf.

Introduction to Dr. Casey Buns
We kicked off the podcast with Dr. Buns introducing himself and sharing a bit about his background. Dr. Buns is originally from Iowa and currently practices at Palmer Clinics in Davenport. Before this, he ran his own chiropractic practice for ten years in Mankato, Minnesota, where he had the opportunity to work with various sports teams. His long-standing passion for golf ultimately steered his career towards specializing in golf-related chiropractic care.

The Connection Between Chiropractic Care and Golf
Dr. Buns explained how his early interest in golf led him to explore the research and practical training offered by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). He initially pursued TPI certification to improve his own golf game but soon realized its broader applications. According to Dr. Buns, the biomechanical expertise gained through TPI training allows one to assist not only golfers but also athletes in other rotational sports such as tennis and baseball.

Understanding TPI’s Philosophies
One of TPI’s core principles is that there isn’t a single “correct” way to swing a golf club. Golfers like John Daly, Tiger Woods, and Jim Furyk all have unique styles, yet their swings share underlying mechanical similarities. TPI helps to identify these key mechanical sequences and adapt training regimes to optimize each golfer’s efficiency. This adaptability is invaluable for addressing individual issues in a golfer’s body, whether related to mobility, stability, or strength.

The Team Approach in Golf
Dr. Buns emphasized the importance of a team approach in optimizing a golfer’s performance and well-being. TPI encourages collaboration among golf coaches, fitness professionals, and medical experts like chiropractors. This team dynamic allows for comprehensive care—from diagnosing biomechanical issues to increasing physical capacity and preventing injuries. Dr. Buns suggested building strong relationships with club pros and other specialists to create a supportive network around the golfer.

Chiropractic and Concussions
At the end of the interview, Dr. Buns touched upon his upcoming presentation at Palmer College’s homecoming. He will be discussing chiropractic care’s role in managing and treating concussions, building on a series of seminars he conducted earlier this year. Dr. Buns highlighted the growing body of evidence supporting chiropractic interventions in concussion management, which he believes is vital information for both practitioners and the public.

Final Thoughts
Dr. Buns left us with an encouraging message. He urges chiropractors and other professionals to explore TPI training to better serve their athlete patients, especially golfers. He also invites everyone to attend his presentation at Palmer College’s homecoming to learn more about chiropractic care in sports.