If you love playing sports, you probably understand that your body is susceptible to various injuries when you play. The good news is that there are several strategies you can use to avoid injuries while you play your favorite sports. Here are some tips on what you can do to keep yourself safe while you stay active.
Never Forget Warm Ups
It is never a good idea to jump straight into playing without warming up your body. Whether it’s football, hockey, or a less physical sports activity, you should warm up and prepare your body for the upcoming movements. If you push your body a lot without a warm up, you have a high risk of injury.
Rest
Always include rest and relaxation in your exercise routine. This is crucial because it allows you to recover from soreness, tiredness, and minor injuries. Pushing your body too much without adequate rest will increase your risk of injury. A lot of overuse injuries develop because athletes do not rest enough between practices and games, which takes a toll on the body.
Pace Yourself
If you have not stepped on the court or field for some time, make sure to not jump back into the game without building up your core strength. Pushing your body too far in a short period of time will cause an injury. This is why you should carefully limit the pressure you put on your body when you exercise. For example, if you want to run a marathon, start training weeks before and gradually increase your physical activity. As your body gets used to the physical activity you are doing, you can increase intensity and speed.
Wear Proper Gear
One of the biggest causes of injury is not wearing proper gear while playing a sport. If your sport requires a helmet or pads, there is a reason for it. Even if you are an expert in playing your sport, you still need safety gear to protect yourself in case of a mishap. Make sure to wear proper gear every time you play – whether it’s a real game or practice.
Familiarize Yourself with the Rules of the Game
A lot of times, injuries happen because athletes do not follow the rules. There are methods and rules you should follow when you exercise and play sports. The way you run, throw, twist, jump, and kick have techniques behind them. If you do not follow these methods, you may be putting your body in unsafe positions which can lead to injuries. A part of being an athlete is mastering how to play the sport correctly – make sure you don’t skip out on this part.
Avoid Playing When Unwell
While it may be enticing to play regardless of a minor injury or pain you may be feeling, you should not do this. If you feel pain or other symptoms in your body, you should step away and get medical attention. It is not safe to play if you are not feeling 100% well. It’s better to sit out in a game than to play while you are not well and risk getting a serious injury.
Urgent Care Services in Fairless Hills, PA
If you suffer a sports related injury, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes, an injury isn’t so obvious. If you feel pain, stiffness, swelling, or lack of good mobility in any part of your body, it’s a sign that there may be an injury or issue building up inside you. Make sure to see a doctor right away to get prompt treatment.
The Patient Care Now Urgent Care medical team is here to serve you. We are available for prompt and exemplary treatment for all sports-related injuries. Call us now at (267) 202-6433 or check in online. We are looking forward to serving you!
