What is YIPS?

Yips are involuntary wrist spasms that occur most commonly when golfers are trying to putt. Since this is a spasm in the wrist, it can affect people in other ways too.  Cricket, darts, baseball, chefs anyone that uses their wrists frequently.  It was once considered to be associated with performance anxiety. 

Cause of YIPS:

It is a neurological dysfunction affecting specific muscles. Some people have found relief from the yips by changing the way they perform the affected task. For example, a right-handed golfer might try putting left-handed. The involuntary movement associated with the yips may:

• Occur at the beginning or middle of your stroke
• Come and go
• Worsen during high-pressure situations
• Yips may result from neurological factors, psychological factors or a combination of both.

Neurological factors:

It may be a type of focal dystonia, a condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions during a specific task. It's most likely related to overuse of a certain set of muscles, similar to writer's cramp. Anxiety worsens the effect. 

Psychological factors:

In a pressure situation, some athletes become so anxious and self-focused. They begin over-thinking to the point of distraction. This can impair their ability to execute a skill, like putting, throwing a dart etc. "Choking" is an extreme form of performance anxiety that may compromise a golfer's game. 

Could YIPS be caused by a combination of factors?

For some people who have a mild degree of focal dystonia, stress, anxiety or high-pressure situations can worsen the condition. Neurological yips are associated with:

• Older age
• More experience playing golf
• Lower handicap

Psychological YIPS can be a problem at any age and experience level. When you start to have episodes of the YIPS, you lose confidence, worry about recurrence and feel anxious whenever you have to putt. These reactions can perpetuate the cycle. When you are anxious about YIPS, it can make your symptoms worse. Because the YIPS may be related to overuse of specific muscles, a change of technique or equipment may help. 

How you can prevent YIPS:

• Change your grip. This technique works for many golfers, because it changes the muscles you use to make your putting stroke. However, if you have the type of yips related to performance anxiety, changing your grip likely won't make much difference.
• Use a different putter. A longer putter allows you to use more of your arms and shoulders and less of your hands and wrists while putting. Other putters are designed with a special grip to help stabilize the hands and wrists.
• Mental skills training. Techniques such as relaxation, visualization or positive thinking can help reduce anxiety, increase concentration and ease fear of the yips.
• Stretch and stimulate muscles that do the opposite action (like extend your fingers instead of grasping).
• Get chiropractic care to help relax muscles and make sure the nerves are relaxed.
  
  YIPS is a issue with neurons and Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is a San Francisco, CA and San Carlos, CA chiropractor that understands full body health. She not only treats the spine but helps with limbs as well.  She incorporates Graston technique for soft tissue, cold laser to help with inflammation and nerve health. She works with athletes, expectant moms, office workers and everyone else in between. Contact our San Francisco, CA chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today!
  
  References:
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yips/symptoms-causes/syc-20379021#:~:text=The%20yips%20are%20involuntary%20wrist,always%20associated%20with%20performance%20anxiety.