Back on the golf course twice a week

Golf is how I see my friends. When my back started stiffening after every round, I cut down to once a month, then stopped going for a while. I missed it more than I expected.

Stretching helped a little. Massage helped for a day. Nothing lasted.

About those marks

I had seen the round marks on swimmers at the Olympics and assumed cupping was a fad. My wife, who is more open-minded than I am, booked the consultation.

The physician in Taipei watched how I moved, pressed along my back, and explained that the muscles either side of my spine were holding on like a clenched fist.

How it felt

The cups felt like a deep pull, not pain. Ten minutes, then they came off, and my back felt warm and loose. The marks looked dramatic but did not hurt, and they faded within a week.

Most days, cupping was paired with tuina. By the end of the first week I could look over my shoulder without turning my whole body.

“Golf twice a week again, and no stiffness after.”

Nine holes in the hills

Halfway through the programme my companion arranged nine holes at a course outside the city. I played carefully, and the next morning felt fine. I nearly called my friends from the hotel.

Twice a week

I play twice a week now, and the next morning feels like any other morning. I see a physiotherapist at home for maintenance, but I have not had a stiff week since.