Basketball Injury Prevention in 4 Easy Tips
Basketball is a fun sport, but it’s full of contact that can lead to painful injuries. Whether you’re thinking about shooting hoops more often with friends or you have a child trying out for the basketball team this year, it’s important to do as much as possible to prevent injuries.
The most common injuries in basketball are due to falls, awkward landings, player collisions, contact with the ball, and sudden changes in direction. With falls, improper footing, and a last-minute turn in stance, these can cause muscle sprains and strains that will have you or your child sidelined until the injury heals. Girls have to be extra cautious with knee injuries too as they have a much higher risk than boys.
Accidents are bound to happen with such a fast-paced sport, however, there are a few things you can do to hit the court while minimizing injuries.
1. Wear proper gear
A mouthguard is a great way to protect teeth. Custom-fitted pieces work best though a sports face shield can also be effective. The right shoes are required too to support feet and leg muscles while in action.
2. See your physiotherapist if you’ve had any previous injuries
You can still play ball if you’ve been injured before but you’ll have to take even more precautions to avoid reinjuring yourself. Our physiotherapists can come to your home to help you get fitted with proper bracing or protective gear that allows you to enjoy playing your favorite sport without hurting yourself.
3. Train properly
Training is an essential component of playing any team sport, but with basketball in particular, it is perhaps most important of all. Make sure you not only follow all training sessions but that you also warm up and stretch before you play. Don’t forget to cool down and stretch again once the game is over.
4. Ensure safety on the court
Often, we see many injuries when people head off to the park for a quick pick-up game. Basketball is such great exercise and fun at the same time, so it’s easy to get distracted by finding a vacant court to shoot layups on. However, give it a quick look before getting into the game to remove any hazards. Stones and rocks can cause you to slip and roll your ankle.
You should also inspect the backboards and baskets to make sure they’re mounted properly. Courts that aren’t well-attended by the city may have faulty equipment that could be dangerous. If anything looks amiss, find another place to play.
While we can’t help you find a place to perfect your swish, we can help you by coming to your home for physiotherapy sessions and professional massage to keep your muscles in prime condition for all kinds of sports. Call us and we’ll be there when you’re ready!
