Tips For Preventing A Sports Injury

Many people assume that chiropractic care is only about treating cracked backs. Chiropractic therapy can help prevent and treat a wide range of injuries. It can be especially beneficial to athletes who want to prevent injury and increase their performance. There is a good reason many professional sports clubs have a chiropractor on staff. 

Most Olympic teams competing today have chiropractors available for their athletes. Many marathon runners, for example, swear by chiropractic care when it comes to preventing injuries. Hip bursitis, knee problems, IT band syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis are some of the common injuries you can avoid by undergoing chiropractic therapy. 
 

Preventing Sports Injuries

As an athlete, you probably know that regular exercise is good for your body. With proper precautions, you can prevent some sports injuries. The quality of the protective equipment you use can help keep you safer. 

But even with such equipment, you are still susceptible to injury. So before engaging in any form of physical activity, you need to consult your primary healthcare provider or chiropractor. 

Common Causes of Sports Injuries

Some of the most common but preventable causes of sports injuries include:

• Poor health condition.
• Poor or improper training practices.
• Incorrect stretching and warm-up practices.
• Using improper sporting gear.

Common Sports Injuries

• Fractures.
• Strains and sprains.
• Achilles tendon injuries.
• Joint injuries.
• Pain along the shin bone.
• Muscle injuries.
• Dislocations.

Preventing Sports Injuries

Sports injuries usually occur because of overuse and trauma. Traumatic sports injuries are obvious. However, overuse injuries are even more common. They often result from pushing the body beyond its current conditioning or physical limits. 

Poor training errors and techniques can also contribute. Hence, it is vital to learn how to prevent sports injuries. Some of the most helpful injury prevention tips include:

 

Set Realistic Goals

Are you an advocate for setting goals and doing everything possible to achieve them? If so, you need to ensure that your goals are sustainable, achievable, and realistic. Do you want to run a specific distance, lift a certain amount of weight, or swim more laps? Whatever the case, you need to set achievable goals and gradually work towards them. 

Prepare and Plan

Are you thinking about exercising regularly? Are you considering a new workout regime? Whatever the case, the first thing you need to do is contact your primary healthcare provider and discuss your options. 
 

Take the time to learn the proper training and sporting techniques required for your specific training program or sport. Signing up for a class, working with a personal trainer, and visiting your chiropractor make for enjoyable and safe ways to embark on new sporting activities. 

 

Warm-Up and Cool Down Before Physical Activity

Before you engage in any sporting activity, you need to warm up. According to research findings, heated muscles are less likely to strain or cause problems. Hence, do some jogging or light walking before starting your exercise and afterward to help your muscles cool down. Doing so will also increase your flexibility, which will help prevent injury. 

Other ways of preventing sports injuries include listening to your body for signs of excessive stress and not pushing yourself too hard too fast.

For more on preventing sports injuries, visit Frame Chiropractic & Acupuncture at our office in Toledo, Ohio. You can call (419) 573-0077 today to schedule an appointment.