How to Prevent Injury for Upcoming Spring Sports
When the snow melts away, the sleds and skis get tucked into storage and the spring sports equipment comes out. With them though comes new opportunity for injury. For adults on leagues or kids at school, spring sports can lead to more injuries than ever because coming out of winter, most are not warmed up enough to get back in the game.
Every sport comes with the risk of an injury though those that have more contact have a far greater chance for traumatic injuries. The overwhelming majority of injuries from sports in general tend to be from overuse. Things like sprains and strains are most common.
The following tips will help you and your kids stay away from injuries as you head back out onto the field.
Gear up
Make sure that when you or your child heads out to play, the right protective equipment is worn. It should fit properly too…a loose helmet won’t do anyone any good!
Build up muscle strength
It’s so important to do conditioning exercises that help boost muscle strength. In addition to working muscles you’ll engage in your sport, building overall strength, endurance, and agility will help you avoid many injuries.
Work on flexibility too
Stretching is something younger people blow off because they feel fine. Insist upon it for your kids as well as yourself. Even if you don’t feel any pain, stretching before and after exercising and competitions will keep you from getting hurt.
Time off is essential
Each week, you should take at least one day off from training for your sport. And each year, it’s important to take a month off to let your body heal. It should be noted that you should still keep fit and keep moving, but for vigorous training that applies to baseball, soccer, and other sports, rest up.
Breaks during practice are important too
Naturally, more practice leads to perfection, but without a few breaks peppered into each session, you risk injury. Be sure to rest during practice as well as games.
Maintain proper technique
One wrong move can have you out all season, if not the rest of the year. Always practice your technique to keep from being stuck on the sidelines.
Drink plenty of water
An often overlooked injury is when athletes become overheated. Take time to hydrate while you’re practicing or in a live game. That spring heat can work quickly to dehydrate you and make you feel dizzy.
Be safe when playing
Don’t get caught up in showboating when you make an awesome play. The rules are enforced for a reason so you don’t wind up hurting yourself or another player in the process.
If you feel any pain while you’re playing, it’s time to stop and rest. To prevent sports injuries or help them heal faster, a physiotherapist can do wonders. No need to wait in a crowded office though…In Your Home Therapy can come to you when you need professional physiotherapy treatments to heal and get back out there!
