Essential Tremors, how do you deal with it?

[br61]

First of all, this topic is directed to members who is afflicted with Essential Tremors or have experience in dealing with them.

 

My dad has a severe case of them and I noticed I have started getting them several years ago. Anyway, during last weekend's tournament run by MGA, I did ok first day, shooting a 72 that left me 2 shots back even though I was fighting my hands on the greens. I'm using a long putter so that stick is not the problem. Then on Sunday morning, on the range, my hands started shaking badly and I could not steady my clubs or hands, topped my opening drive, 3 putted from fringe then proceeded to 4 putt 2nd hole and 3 putted 3rd hole after chunking my tee shot. I knew I had to get out of there because I did not want to drag down my partners' play. They all did well after I left. I had never experienced such severe hand shaking, even doubted if I could even hit the ball. I was really disappointed with my first ever WD especially that I was paired with a longtime WRX'er too.

 

During casual golf, I usually experience some minor tremors on the greens but was able to play just fine from tee to green. I know my episode was caused by the competition nervousness.

 

For anyone here that had it, what did you do to control it. I have been doing lot of research since then but wanted to hear from my fellow golfers on how you dealt with it. I type a lot at work, I suspect it might be hereditary and overuse of my hands in my case. Not looking for any sympathy because I'm determined to get over it. BTW, I'm 59 year old. I do not want to be forced away from state golf competition that I love.

[braincramp52]

I have no real knowledge but I wonder if CBD gummies would help?

[br61]

1 hour ago, braincramp52 said:

I have no real knowledge but I wonder if CBD gummies would help?

Hmm, I have a friend that swears by it but I have never tried it. Might be an option if needed.

[LeoLeo99]

Have you seen a doctor for this?  I'd start there and see if there is anything medical that can be done.  Good luck.  Hope you get a remedy for it.

Edited September 1, 2020 by LeoLeo99

[br61]

11 hours ago, LeoLeo99 said:

Have you seen a doctor for this?  I'd start there and see if there is anything medical that can be done.  Good luck.  Hope you get a remedy for it.

Thanks and appreciated the wishes, that is the next step that I need to take.

[Hateto3Putt]

Absolutely seek out medical advice. My oldest Daughter has dealt with them for years.

 

I know part of her treatment was iron therapy, and recently (last week) they started her on a new medication that has helped tremendously. I can recall the name of it but can sure find out if you like.

[smoky25]

See a doctor. My mom has them bad and I'm starting to get them too, but the beta blockers I was put on for a heart issue helped tremendously with my putting issues. Low dose beta blockers I believe are a first line treatment for essential tremors.

[naval2006]

br61,

 

I've had essential tremor since I was twenty odd.  It started at college and it became hard to take down notes but I managed.  I sought for medical advice and it's been a really mild tremor up to now.  My aunt used to have it so it's something that passes on.  I never paid to much attention until like 9 years ago when the tremor sneaked into my putting.  I had a hard time for a couple of years and I felt terribly embarassed in front of players.  There were times when I simply couldn't take the putter back.  And the same started to happen with my greenside approach shots.

 

The grinder that I am, I developed a shoulder swing with the putter and I shifted to a heavy CB putter.  I too used a Heavy Putter for quite some time with decent results.  I also started to accept the condition and it all seemed to improve on the course.  Mind you, my case is up to now is very slight so Doc told me to do nothing about it unless I wanted to start taking medication because I was still too young.

 

Finally a few years ago I started taking high blood pressure medication and it was bisoprolol in very low doses.  Like two months after I started I was playing with a friend who happens to be a doctor and told him about no trembling with the putter anymore.  He laughed at me shouting "it's the pill, it's the pill, you're going back to draining putts".  I thought he was kidding but then I told my Doc and he explained that I was taking a beta blocker and yes, that's a side effect if you have any mild unvoluntary movement. 

 

I don't know if you've seen a doctor but you definitely should and they'll tell you about it.  This is a condition which is quite more common than people think.  But as it's a condition that never becomes life threatening there isn't much in the form of treatment or medicines.  

 

Good luck.  You have a partner now. 

[BirdieDoc]

Would agree to seek out your primary care provider. Most are more than comfortable managing essential tremors and the work up. 

 

As stated above. Beta blockers are commonly used... So is gabapentin, topamax, alcohol in small quantities, primidone, avoidance of any caffeine or other stimulants. 

 

Benefit of seeing your own doc is that if you have other issues like bp, anxiety, headaches, neuropathy, or other co morbidities you can usually get a 2 for 1 in the meds

[mantan]

I have ET.  My doctor put me on Primadone and it worked wonders. I take a bit of a larger dose before tournament or league rounds.  
 

Booze also help, lol....but you get major rebound tremors the next day!

Edited September 3, 2020 by mantan

[alfriday]

I have a familial tremor that has affected me most of my life.  My father had it and one of my children has it.  

 

I talked to my doctor about it and we decided not to go down the medication route.  YMMV.  

 

I started  paying close attention to when it got worse and when it was manageable.  I found in my case, there were two main changes hlelped.  1.  Diet.  I switched to a basic "gut friendly diet" (google it)and it has helped a lot.  Mostly plant based, a wide variety of vegetables (eat the rainbow), olive oil, fish high in omega,  and very few simple carbs/sugar.  I also don't count calories, just eat smart. 2.  Mindfulness and yoga.  When my muscles got tense, the shaking got worse.  Staying stretched out with regular yoga helps a lot.  The breathing techniques that go with yoga a mindfulness are great for staying in front of the tremors.  If I start to feel anxious or feel tremors starting up, I stop and breath and center myself.    

[br61]

I thought I'd post an update. My doctor prescribed Propranolol, a beta-blocker medication. It seems to work somewhat better but I do feel light headed at times. No side effects so far.

 

I played in my first competition last weekend since my mentioned tournament, a Cup matches for Springfield(MO) team against Joplin team, I made it through just fine and did play nicely.

 

I'll have to wait until next spring for my next individual tournament and I hope it'll turn out good.

 

EDITED; spelling mistake, oops!

Edited October 9, 2020 by br61

[BirdieDoc]

On 10/7/2020 at 9:38 AM, br61 said:

I thought I'd post an update. My doctor prescribed Propranolol, a beta-blocker medication. I seems to work somewhat better but I do feel light headed at times. No side effects so far.

 

I played in my first competition last weekend since my mentioned tournament, a Cup matches for Springfield(MO) team against Joplin team, I made it through just fine and did play nicely.

 

I'll have to wait until next spring for my next individual tournament and I hope it'll turn out good.

Glad to hear it went well. Depending on dose they might be able to go lower if you're having exercise intolerance (aka lightheadedness with exercise). Let your doc know!

[Bill Robinson]

I have developed an aid for putting with tremors,  

I'm looking for individuals with tremors to test the device out.

Check it out at uglybidie.com for some details.

[Jim Coghill]

Propranolol worked well at first, but seemed to taper off as a couple of years went by. Increasing doses dropped my pressure too much, so am back to 3, 40mg over a 16 hour day. Unfortunately, my cigar smoking probably doesn’t help.  I do know first tee anxiety increases the tremor and therefore weakens my grip, especially my left hand. A martini tee certainly helps on the tee as does a mild alprazolam (and thus hold off on a beer.) Am 72, at ideal weight, and flexible, but the hands are a pain. Overall, my game hasn’t degenerated that much more given the age factor. Also, keep a Death Grip hand exerciser close— hand strength is vital. With the putter, I keep my elbows against my sides as much as possible; it helps to control the brain’s unhelpful messages which cause the paw trouble.

[deh]

This is a very interesting topic for me and hits home. I’ve had ET since I was very young (50 now). Stress, illness, etc can make them worse. I fight through it, but am definitely interested in potential medical options. 

[betarhoalphadelta]

I wanted to revive this topic after an epically bad round yesterday. I have obvious (but not medically diagnosed) ET at the age of 46.  

 

I know I need to see my doctor--hell, I need to see one as I haven't had a checkup since pre-COVID and my primary doctor is no longer available to me. And given that I might have borderline high BP, I could potentially have medicine that helps the tremor as a bonus for the BP benefit--although I don't want to be taking meds just for golf. 

 

My question is this--for anyone who deals with essential tremor, does it affect more than just putting? Does it lead to inconsistency for you in the long game too? 

 

The reason that I ask is that I feel like I'm banging my head against the wall with a lack of improvement in golf. I've probably played more rounds in the past 4 years than in the previous 28 combined. I've had some lessons. I've gone to the range more in that time than the previous time combined as well. I've even spent the last two years working on fitness, trying to get my body into a better place than it was, and I'm probably in the best shape I've been since college. It's not like I'm an 8 index that is plateaued because I don't play/practice enough. I started four years ago when I started tracking as a 24.1. And today I'm a 23.7.  I have a generally decent swing--my instructor was shocked when I told him my index. He thought I was low to mid teens. There should be plenty of low hanging fruit that mere repetition would improve. And yet nothing is improving. 

 

And yet, there is just no consistency. I'm trying to figure out if there is a physical issue (ET) holding me back. 

 

Would love to hear from some who have had it, and possibly had treatment, and whether it helped with long game stuff. 

[Talldog]

On 9/3/2024 at 4:13 PM, betarhoalphadelta said:

My question is this--for anyone who deals with essential tremor, does it affect more than just putting? Does it lead to inconsistency for you in the long game too? 

Does not affect my long game. Once the club is in motion, it doesn't seem to be a problem. It is a pain in situations where I can't ground the club.

 

I bought a "Heavy Putter". The extra weight helps keep me steady, but it takes a while to get used to.

 

I'm not sure they even make the brand anymore, but I'm sure a good tech could add weight to your putter.

[betarhoalphadelta]

2 hours ago, Talldog said:

Does not affect my long game. Once the club is in motion, it doesn't seem to be a problem. It is a pain in situations where I can't ground the club.

 

I bought a "Heavy Putter". The extra weight helps keep me steady, but it takes a while to get used to.

 

I'm not sure they even make the brand anymore, but I'm sure a good tech could add weight to your putter.

 

Thanks. I'm a bit of a giant, so I ended up swapping an Odyssey blade-style standard length putter for a longer (and heavier) mallet at 36.5", and that added weight and feel of the weight from added length does really fit me better. The Odyssey just felt super light. The mallet feels more stable for me.

 

I've considered throwing some lead tape on it just to see what happens if I add even more. 

[br61]

On 9/7/2024 at 9:19 AM, Talldog said:

Does not affect my long game. Once the club is in motion, it doesn't seem to be a problem. It is a pain in situations where I can't ground the club.

 

I bought a "Heavy Putter". The extra weight helps keep me steady, but it takes a while to get used to.

 

I'm not sure they even make the brand anymore, but I'm sure a good tech could add weight to your putter.

I'm still following this thread. Ha.

 

I feel same way, my hands really shakes when I cannot ground the club, especially in the bunkers and around the greens. I have to ground the club on the ground before taking it back. I know my game isn't as good as it used to be but I'm going to have fun playing golf no matter what.

[wlittle1274]

Just wanted to post on this thread as someone whose entire family has Essential Tremors just in case anyone is searching the internet or these forums.  For reference, I first noticed the tremors at 16 years old, currently 38, I've done basically everything under the sun to try and help.

 

Medications: Primidone and Propranolol help the most.  Obviously need a medical doctor approval for these, but certainly a game changer for most 

 

Alcohol: Sadly does help, problem is you can't sober up during the round or rebound tremors will absolutely kill you.  I'd avoid if it's hot out, you can get dehydrated very quickly.  But for a quick cart round with no medication in your system, couple of beers, or a vodka tonic along the way will certainly help.

 

Equipment:  Martini Tees take the "tee" anxiety away.  No matter how bad the tremor is, you can get it teed up.  Constant movement pre shot, one look and hit it helps me.  Oversized grips.  Heavy clubs, and most importantly a long putter.  Seriously, if you deal with tremors and haven't tried a long putter, go buy one.  These things are upwards of 500 grams and you can use much larger muscles to make the stroke.  Putt from everywhere you can. 

 

Various Tips:  Cross handed chipping... Seriously, take the hands out, just use a gap wedge, PW, back of your stance, can actually chip really well which this method.  Don't look at the ball, ever.. Weird I know but I have a bit of a neck tremor as well, so the ball moves when I look directly at it while swinging.  I look about an inch in front of the ball with everything except the driver.  Takes the focus of the ball out of the routine, and then if the spasm happens I don't notice it as much.  Try it on the range, will definitely help some.. 

 

If I have no medication, no alcohol, and you made me chip regular and putt with a short putter I swear I'd shoot 100.  I can still stay in the 70s with these various methods.  Game is getting worse over time as the tremors get worse, I'll probably be pushed out of the game at some point, but I can still enjoy it today.  Tough to not have your hands, and you really have to love golf to have ET and still grind, but I've loved this game since I was 2 years old for whatever reason, so I will keep working at it as long as I can.  Hope this helps someone out there.  Anyone feel free to DM me if you're battling it, sometimes just another person who deals with the same things can help reduce the anxiety.  Best of luck to all.  -Will 

 

 

[LaterOn61]

I was diagnosed with ET in my 30s and am 63 now. I was given Mysoline (Primidone) and it has worked in all aspects of life. I play to a 6 hdcp.

[br61]

13 hours ago, wlittle1274 said:

Just wanted to post on this thread as someone whose entire family has Essential Tremors just in case anyone is searching the internet or these forums.  For reference, I first noticed the tremors at 16 years old, currently 38, I've done basically everything under the sun to try and help.

 

Medications: Primidone and Propranolol help the most.  Obviously need a medical doctor approval for these, but certainly a game changer for most 

 

Alcohol: Sadly does help, problem is you can't sober up during the round or rebound tremors will absolutely kill you.  I'd avoid if it's hot out, you can get dehydrated very quickly.  But for a quick cart round with no medication in your system, couple of beers, or a vodka tonic along the way will certainly help.

 

Equipment:  Martini Tees take the "tee" anxiety away.  No matter how bad the tremor is, you can get it teed up.  Constant movement pre shot, one look and hit it helps me.  Oversized grips.  Heavy clubs, and most importantly a long putter.  Seriously, if you deal with tremors and haven't tried a long putter, go buy one.  These things are upwards of 500 grams and you can use much larger muscles to make the stroke.  Putt from everywhere you can. 

 

Various Tips:  Cross handed chipping... Seriously, take the hands out, just use a gap wedge, PW, back of your stance, can actually chip really well which this method.  Don't look at the ball, ever.. Weird I know but I have a bit of a neck tremor as well, so the ball moves when I look directly at it while swinging.  I look about an inch in front of the ball with everything except the driver.  Takes the focus of the ball out of the routine, and then if the spasm happens I don't notice it as much.  Try it on the range, will definitely help some.. 

 

If I have no medication, no alcohol, and you made me chip regular and putt with a short putter I swear I'd shoot 100.  I can still stay in the 70s with these various methods.  Game is getting worse over time as the tremors get worse, I'll probably be pushed out of the game at some point, but I can still enjoy it today.  Tough to not have your hands, and you really have to love golf to have ET and still grind, but I've loved this game since I was 2 years old for whatever reason, so I will keep working at it as long as I can.  Hope this helps someone out there.  Anyone feel free to DM me if you're battling it, sometimes just another person who deals with the same things can help reduce the anxiety.  Best of luck to all.  -Will 

 

 

OP still following this thread. Thanks for your comments.

 

I did take Propranolol but stopped it as it's effectiveness seemed to have waned after a while. I'll have to ask my physician about Primidone.

 

About the alcohol, yes it does help me somewhat after a beer or few. 

 

It's funny I'm using Martini tees too, it does help me with teeing the ball. I do use some regular tees but ball do fall off easily when I try to tee it up with shaky hands. I'm using midsized grips(CP2 wrap) and I'm considering going to jumbo CP2 wrap grips.

 

I used a long putter for long time, however when I saw someone using reverse claw grip so I tried it with my old putter that I did well in early 2010's. It seems to work decently as of now, my ET is worse on my left hand(I play golf righty but do everything else lefty). My chipping is still an adventure but I'll just suck it up and do the best I can.

 

My current handicap is 3.8, 5 strokes higher than +1.2 that I had in spring of 2023. Oh well.  I've been jokingly called a sandbagger but my golf friends are aware of my condition.

[br61]

11 hours ago, LaterOn61 said:

I was diagnosed with ET in my 30s and am 63 now. I was given Mysoline (Primidone) and it has worked in all aspects of life. I play to a 6 hdcp.

Thanks, I'll have to ask my physician about it. 

[Honeybadger]

On 9/3/2024 at 4:13 PM, betarhoalphadelta said:

I wanted to revive this topic after an epically bad round yesterday. I have obvious (but not medically diagnosed) ET at the age of 46.  

 

I know I need to see my doctor--hell, I need to see one as I haven't had a checkup since pre-COVID and my primary doctor is no longer available to me. And given that I might have borderline high BP, I could potentially have medicine that helps the tremor as a bonus for the BP benefit--although I don't want to be taking meds just for golf. 

 

My question is this--for anyone who deals with essential tremor, does it affect more than just putting? Does it lead to inconsistency for you in the long game too? 

 

The reason that I ask is that I feel like I'm banging my head against the wall with a lack of improvement in golf. I've probably played more rounds in the past 4 years than in the previous 28 combined. I've had some lessons. I've gone to the range more in that time than the previous time combined as well. I've even spent the last two years working on fitness, trying to get my body into a better place than it was, and I'm probably in the best shape I've been since college. It's not like I'm an 8 index that is plateaued because I don't play/practice enough. I started four years ago when I started tracking as a 24.1. And today I'm a 23.7.  I have a generally decent swing--my instructor was shocked when I told him my index. He thought I was low to mid teens. There should be plenty of low hanging fruit that mere repetition would improve. And yet nothing is improving. 

 

And yet, there is just no consistency. I'm trying to figure out if there is a physical issue (ET) holding me back. 

 

Would love to hear from some who have had it, and possibly had treatment, and whether it helped with long game stuff. 

For me it’s just putting. Although I do wonder if it has affected my distances, because it makes my left hand a little weaker. I switched irons and my distances are down- that probably has more to do with it. My driver is down slightly, but the course I play the most is pretty soggy. 
And as for the putting: I notice it most on short putts. Long putts have been fine. 

[naval2006]

Heavy Putter is a great help for ET.  If I'm not wrong, they are no longer produced but there must be a few on Ebay.

 

I'm currently playing a Lab Golf Mezz Max broom and it's been a game changer for me on the green.  The putter is very heavy, and although you can't anchor it, the swing with the long stick is comparatively smoother than a traditional putter; in combination with a heavy head it's a great choice for ET golfers.

 

In my case I don't always feel comfortable with short pitches or super finesse wedges but I try to avoid those shots through strategy as much as I can.