Meet The Saint Louis Golf Doc!
Updated: Jul 22
Dr. David Didlake, DPT
Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to start my own practice. Helping people has always been my passion—it’s what drew me to physical therapy in the first place. My journey really took shape in college, where I played soccer at IVC. Unfortunately, I suffered a hip injury—a labral tear—that changed the course of my athletic career. The rehab process was tough, and despite my best efforts, I wasn’t able to return to competitive play. That experience taught me firsthand how important effective rehab is, and how much it means to someone whose life is centered around movement and sport.
While soccer was my first love, golf has always held a special place in my heart—thanks to my grandfather. He introduced me to the game when I was 5, and some of my fondest memories are of us together at the driving range, at his local course, or watching golf in his office. Golf, to me, is about community, connection, and continuous improvement.
But after my hip injury, even golf became a struggle. I remember trying to hit a few balls at the range with my friends, only to be stopped by pain. It was frustrating to feel limited in something I loved, especially after letting go of my soccer career, and it gave me a new perspective on what many of my future patients would face.
I went to California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) where I worked with the cross country, women's soccer, tennis, wrestling, and baseball teams as part of the athletic training program there. I gained valuable experience rehabilitating athletes and earned my Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology. After graduating from CSUF, I attended Chapman University for three years where I completed my doctoral degree in Physical Therapy.
After graduating from PT school, I made it my mission to help others achieve better outcomes than I did. I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could—not just about physical therapy, but also about golf and recovery. Through advanced certifications and post-professional accomplishments, I was able to not only rehab my own hip, but actually improve my golf game beyond what I thought possible. Returning to the course pain-free, and playing better than before, reinforced my commitment to helping others do the same.
With post-graduate education in electric dry needling, manipulation, diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, strength and conditioning, and 3D motion capture technology, I knew that Integrative Therapeutics was going to integrate something very different for the Saint Louis community - a winning combination of accurate evaluation and cutting edge treatments to optimize recovery, wellness, and performance.
I'm also the creator of The Golf Recovery Method™, which is designed to help golfers over 40 achieve greater success with their game. Most golfers spend years trying to fix their swing. We help golfers fix the body behind the swing.
Remember, your body is holding back your golf. Not your age.
Start with the Free Golf Recovery Scorecard and take the first step toward understanding what's holding your game back.
SCHEDULE YOUR IN-PERSON OR ONLINE SESSION TODAY!
Here's to your health and your golf game!
Dr. David Didlake, DPT
PT, Cert. SMT/DN, CSCS, Cert. TPI Medical Level 3, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPT
Owner, Integrative Therapeutics; Creator, The Golf Recovery Method™
Follow me @theintegrativeclinic @thestlgolfdoc
About the Author
Dr. David Didlake, PT, DPT is a fellowship trained integrative physical therapist and golf performance specialist with extensive experience in sports injury recovery, headache management, and spine related pain. He holds advanced certifications in manual therapy, dry needling, and golf performance, and as owner of Integrative Therapeutics, he is passionate about helping active adults achieve their goals safely and effectively.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.
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