Sports Injuries: Three Essential Tips for Long-Term Prevention
Sporting accidents can cause significant injuries in the body. Therefore, if you are an athlete or an active participant in professional and amateur sports, you must be diligent in protecting your body against muscle strain, skeletal stress, tendon tears and other injuries. You should note that serious and repetitive injuries will compromise your general wellbeing and your ability to participate in your activities. Here are essential, general physiotherapy tips to help you avoid sustaining sports injuries.
Learn the Correct Techniques
If you have been experiencing frequent injuries or continuous strain, you might be using the wrong techniques during your physical activities. In simple terms, some injuries can be sustained because of poor use of body structures. For example, the wrong running technique can amplify the impact transmitted from the feet to the hips and back, increasing the risk of stress injuries. Therefore, you should hire a trainer to provide guidance, or you can consult your physiotherapist. In addition, if you are planning on using equipment such as lifting machines or bicycles, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Avoid Dehydration
You should avoid the dehydration of your body during your physical activities. Dehydration stresses out the muscles, increasing the risk of cramping. Sudden cramping will elevate the risk of a serious injury during sports and athletics. Therefore, you should ensure that your body is hydrated before beginning the exercise routine. Also, you should carry enough fluids for consumption during the activity. Endurance exercises and sports can be particularly strenuous. So, you should have a fluid which you can sip frequently. If possible, you should opt for a drink with electrolytes for hydration for optimal stability of the body.
Wear Protective Gear
You should have the correct gear for your sporting activities. You cannot avoid sudden accidents or repetitive strain entirely during competitive athletics, sports events or general exercise. However, you can minimise the risk of injury by using the right wear to minimise the implications of strenuous activities. For example, if you are a runner, you should have appropriate shoes with soft soles to minimise the strain caused when the feet hit the ground. If you are cyclist, you should have the right shoes, a helmet and protective pads. You must also remember to replace your gear as needed for optimal safety.
Sports injuries should be addressed immediately after an accident to prevent escalation of the problem. Therefore, if you sustain musculoskeletal strain or general physiological stress during your sports activities, you should consult an experienced physiotherapist for examination, treatment and rehabilitation.
