We all know that exercise (and sports) are a great way to improve cardiovascular health. Plus it boosts mental health, creates friendships, can build leadership skills, and some people thrive being part of a team.
However, sports account for 3.5 MILLION injuries per year! How can you or your athlete prevent being part of this statistic?
1. Get a Pre-Season Physical
This is a great way of identifying if your athlete is fit to play. Sports physicals help identify areas of concern before the athlete starts the season. Most schools require that players obtain a physical at least once every two years. We have 2 pre-season screens we like to perform that will help us identify any areas of concern. We can find specific muscle imbalances, like an area that is too tight or weaker, that can increase your risk of injury.
2. Know the Importance of Warming-Up & Proper Technique
You’ve heard this before, with any activity, it’s critical that players warm-up and stretch their muscles before AND after exercising or playing a sport. Physical therapists can help you establish a dynamic warm-up that will help prepare your muscles for physical activity. They can also identify (and correct) any movement strategies that are less than ideal, which increase risk of injury.
3. Recognize Signs of Injury & Get Help Early
It’s tempting to brush off minor symptoms, but these are often some warning signs you should never neglect. Athletes often alter the way they do things because of pain, but if they don’t rest or get help early, it can turn into a more serious injury. Going to see a physical therapist won’t necessarily take you out of the game (unless that’s recommended for your particular injury), but it can help prevent future injuries, too.
4. Ensure a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet & Proper Hydration
Your body is a like a machine and needs proper fuel to function well. Make sure your athlete is eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Equally as important is ensuring proper hydration as heat-related illness is a major concern for athletes. Ensure the player consumes enough water before, during, and after play and watch for signs of dehydration.
5. Participate in Different Activities to Cross-Train Your Body
Cross-training can help condition the entire body and raise overall fitness levels. It’s important for athletes to change up the sports or activities they are doing so they are not continuously putting stress on the same muscles and joints to avoid overuse injuries.
If you have ANY questions about improving sports performance and preventing injuries, contact your favorite physical therapists at Go Beyond Physical Therapy.
