Preventing Sports Injuries: Tips for Athletes of All Ages

Regular exercise is good for overall health. Participating in sports for enjoyment or exercise can help keep your body strong and flexible. Most physical sports are demanding and require flexibility and agility. Unfortunately, some activities strain the body, which can result in injuries. Anyone who participates in sports must establish an injury-prevention system to ensure their safety and more active time. It is possible to prevent sports injuries.  

Causes of Sports Injuries 

Any time you participate in physical activities that put extra strain on the body, there is the risk of injury. Fortunately, most sports injuries are preventable. Common causes of sports injuries include:
 

• Incorrect training practices

• Failing to use protective equipment

• Wearing incorrect or poorly-fitting sports gear

• Being in poor physical condition or health

• Failing to stretch or warm up before events

Common Sports Injuries

Sports injuries vary with the activity and the force of impact. They usually occur on the part of the body that receives the most strain or pressure. They can be mild or severe based on the individual and the impact. 

They include sprains and strains, muscle injuries, joint injuries, fractures or broken bones, dislocations, and Achilles tendon injuries. Many athletes also experience pain in the shin bone. 

Preventing Sports Injuries 

There are steps that athletes of all ages can take to avoid sports injuries. They include:
 

• Warm up and stretch before any exercise or game

• Cooling down correctly after the game or exercise

• Creating a fitness plan that includes strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercise. It can help minimize the risk of injury

• Exercising different muscle groups on alternate days

• Staying hydrated. Drinking water helps prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration. 

• Using the right sporting gear or protective equipment

• Learning proper sporting techniques

• Avoiding exercise when in pain

• Resting when tired

If you have an injury, ensure you get full rehabilitation before returning to the activity. 

Improving Flexibility

Most sports injuries occur due to a lack of flexibility. If the body fails to respond as expected, it can lead to injury. It is crucial to stretch before any activity. When muscles are cold, they are more susceptible to injury. Taking several minutes to do arm circles or jumping jacks can help maintain flexibility and prevent injuries. 

Strengthening the Core
 

A strong core is vital for anyone involved in sports. Having strong abdominal muscles helps improve balance and stability. It is essential in sports and helps prevent injuries. Various exercises help strengthen the core, including planks and abdominal crunches. 

It is crucial to take time when performing strength training. It includes going through the full range of motion with every repetition. If you have an existing sports injury, ensure you recover completely before returning to strenuous activities. 

Getting chiropractic care can help speed up healing. A chiropractor can create a treatment plan to help you resume playing. Chiropractic adjustments help reduce pain, improve strength, and restore flexibility.

For more on preventing sports injuries for athletes of all ages, visit ReAlignMed at our Chicago, Illinois, office. Call 773-917-0900 to schedule an appointment today.