The summer weather provides the perfect invitation to go outside and enjoy all your favorite activities. Your body may need some time to adjust with increased motion to avoid orthopedic injuries, especially while exercising. Here are the best exercise tips to help prevent orthopedic injuries this summer.
Stretching is essential to prevent orthopedic injuries while exercising or participating in any other strenuous activity. Warm up the specific muscles you will be using for the activity. For example, you may want to focus on stretching your arms, legs and shoulders if you plan to go golfing. If you go biking regularly, you may want to pay special attention to warming up your legs and ankles. Consult with a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist for proper stretching techniques.
Drinking plenty of water while exercising helps give your muscles the energy they need to perform at optimal levels. If you are not properly hydrated, your muscles are unable to burn fat. Dehydration can also make you more susceptible to orthopedic injuries. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, dark urine and irritability. If you notice these symptoms, stop exercising and drink some water immediately.
If you plan to jump back into your favorite sport for exercise, you may want to make sure you practice the right way to prevent orthopedic injuries. Making adjustments by brushing up on your technical form can benefit your overall health and well-being in numerous ways. Sports that require heavy use of your arms like baseball can create extensive shoulder damage. Swimmers may experience neck injuries from breathing while only rotating their necks. Practicing the right form can significantly reduce the risk of potential injuries from strenuous activity.
Having someone to exercise with you not only encourages healthy activity, but can help prevent orthopedic injuries as well. A workout buddy may be able to spot and help you out of dangerous situations. Your friend can help spot you while you lift weights to ensure correct technique. If you get injured while exercising, you will have someone immediately available to provide assistance.
The clothing and equipment you choose while exercising play an important role in keeping you protected from orthopedic injuries. Make sure you have the right gear for the activity. Wearing the same shoes you wear while running may not be ideal while playing soccer. Wear protective equipment such as a helmet and knee pads while biking. Make sure any clothing or accessories fit correctly and do not restrict your movement while exercising.
At times, you may want to experiment with different techniques or equipment with your exercise activity. These alterations can impact your body with orthopedic injuries. While trying new techniques, you could strain muscles while learning how to do them correctly. You may start to notice new pain or get fatigued faster.
Changes in your environment can also create significant impact. If you decide to start running on asphalt instead of a rubber track, you can experience stress fractures from less shock absorption. Running on concrete can cause stress pressure on the hips. Ignoring these problems can lead to the need for surgery.
Even with your best efforts to protect yourself while exercising this summer, orthopedic injuries can still happen. If you are experiencing joint pain or discomfort, Silicon Valley Orthopaedics can help. Our team of expert professionals provide specialized treatment for orthopedic injuries and can help slow further deterioration as you age. Call to schedule a consultation today.
