COMPANY BACKGROUND

Golf Fitness & Physiotherapy (GFP) is an extension of Tony’s private physiotherapy practice.

Owned and operated by Tony Upton, who spent over 22 years in the British Army, the majority of which was served in the Army Physical Training Corps. Tony served as a physical training instructor with a diverse array of units including the Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Infantry & Medical Services.  

After studying at the Joint Service Medical Rehabilitation Unit, Headley Court, Tony spent nine years working in the rehabilitation of injured servicemen and women before becoming a Chartered & HPC Registered Physiotherapist and going into private practice.

As well as being a Chartered physiotherapist Tony is a member of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), which has been set up to help safeguard and to promote the health and interests of people who are using the service of exercise and fitness instructors, teachers and trainers. The REPs creates a framework within which individual instructors can achieve the highest standards of professionalism, linked to best practice in the exercise and fitness industry. Registration is achieved and maintained through the gaining of qualifications and training which are nationally recognised and which are linked to the National Occupational Standards for exercise and fitness.

The REPs has over 27,000 active members in the UK with varying levels of status. Tony is one of just over 100 instructors who has attained ‘Level 4 Specialist Exercise Instructor’, the highest level of qualification.  

Tony has channelled his passion and enthusiasm for golf, physical training and exercise therapy with a view to providing advice and guidance on how any golfer, at any level can improve their physical condition. This should enable the golfer to reach their full potential, avoid injury and improve their golfing longevity.

Tony is a mid single handicap golfer.

GOLF FITNESS & PHYSIOTHERAPY (GFP)

Golf Fitness & Physiotherapy (GFP) was established to provide the golfer with the knowledge of the body’s role in the golf swing. The importance of flexibility, stability, static & dynamic posture, to name but a few of the important physical characteristics that play a major role in golf swing mechanics, improved performance and injury prevention.
Golf specific physiotherapy has been used at the elite level of golf for many years, with a number of the world’s top players having dedicated therapists.

It may be possible to improve a golfer’s ball striking by purchasing new clubs but it is unlikely to enable them to play for a longer period of time (See Relationship Between Club Fitting & Golf Injuries). It will also have no effect on important physical capabilities to the golfer such as: flexibility, stability, power, strength, motor coordination, posture or segmental control. Just some physical characteristics that are related to swing issues. By improving a golfer’s understanding of the important physical components relating to golf it will enable them to play for longer with a reduced likelihood of injury.