Now
that school is back in session it’s also that time of the year when many people
start practicing sports. If you’re getting back into a healthy exercise routine
or your children are joining a sports team, precautions should be taken in
order to avoid injuries.
According
to statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) around this
time last year approximately 1.2 million sustained football-related injuries in
the US and more than 581,400 treated for injuries related to soccer.
Exercising
and practicing sports are ideal for building strong muscles, healthy bones and keeping in shape. But, before
you go out and start training, here are some safety tips from Sea Spine
orthopedic Institute you should consider:
- Stretch - Before starting any exercise don’t forget to stretch and incorporate strength training. A good stretch should be held for 10-12 seconds and not go beyond the point of resistance. This helps muscle flexibility and avoids cramping.
- Hydrate – Drink liquids to keep energized and minimize cramps.
- Know your limits - Be aware of any health issues you may have and consider your age when determining your abilities before practicing a sport. Don’t rush into it, start at a beginner’s level and work your way up.
- Mix-it–up - If you practice a certain sport, try playing multiple positions. During the off-season, try different sports to minimize injuries that can be caused from overuse of a certain muscle or joint.
- Don’t over do it - Listen to your body, if pain or discomfort develops reduce training time and intensity. This will decrease the risk of injury and help avoid exhaustion. Studies suggest that reducing the number of consecutive days of exercising can lower the risk of injury. Recovery time gives muscles and joints an opportunity to rest and repair themselves between workouts.
- Don't play through the pain - If you start to feel discomfort, pain or you have any concerns about injuries, speak with an orthopedic sports medicine specialist.
Not
all injuries can be prevented, however many can be avoided. Experts suggest
that injury rates could be reduced by 25% if people took appropriate
preventative action.
Proper
chiropractic care is a very effective way to avoid and treat any sports related
injuries. If you or someone you know is experiencing pains or discomfort from a
injury, it may be a good time to get checked by a local chiropractor. If you're
looking for professional and experienced high-rated Florida orthopedic
surgeons, contact Sea
Spine Orthopedic Institute today at
(http://www.seaspineortho.com/) or call 866-816-ORTHO.
