Sports Injuries Anyone participating in sporting activities whether recreationally or for more regulated athletic and team sports, should understand how to protect themselves from injury. While it is not possible to anticipate everything, a person can create certain habits that will protect them from common injuries.
Common Injuries Sprains and strains are the most common of all sports related injuries. A sprain is a torn or stretched ligament, which are the connective tissues between joints and bones. Strains happen when you tear or stretch a muscle or tendon. Sprains and strains, if left untreated and uncared for will lead to additional, more complicated injuries. Knee and shoulder injuries, back injuries, and dislocations can all be the result of unattended or ignored strains and sprains.
Protect Yourself with Warm-Ups The best way to protect yourself from regular injuries is to warm up and stretch before you participate in sports and then stretch again once you are done. Stretching, warm ups, and cool downs should be tailored to the sport you are participating in. While it will differ with each activity, every warm-up should at least include a gradual increase of your circulation by walking or slowly jogging. Thoroughly stretch your muscles, focusing on the back, as well as the areas you’ll be using during your sport. As you begin to practice or play, start the sports movements slowly. For example, swing the golf club slowly or pitch the ball at half speed for a few throws. Specifically when you are participating in sports for fun you want to make sure you stretch. Don’t just jump into a game with cold, stiff muscles. Doing this significantly increases your risk of joint and muscle sprain and strain.
Protect Yourself with Proper Gear Take care to make sure that safety and protection are your first priority as you participate in sporting activities. Especially when from a recreational stand point. Organized sports tend to provide protective gear, training and the appropriate warm-ups, but frequently athletes don’t take care of themselves in the same manner when playing a pickup game of ball. Educate yourself and use the appropriate gear for your athletic activities. Use shin guards, pads, helmets, joint braces, and mouth guards when necessary, and specifically if it recommended by your
medical professional. While these things may seem bulky and feel out of place if you’re just playing with friends, you will not regret having them if they protect you from a serious injury.
When You Get Injured If you do manage to get injured, the very first thing you need to do is stop participating. Don’t play through the pain, as that will impact your ability to play on a long term basis. Start by implementing RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) Stay off the injury as much as possible and, if it doesn’t start to get better, seek professional medical care. For any athletes suffering from back pain, you may consider seeing a chiropractor to help ease your pain. Gunn Chiropractic is a quality chiropractor in American Fork, UT. Call or stop by to day for help with your athletic injuries.