Minimizing Sports Injuries

Sports related injuries can plague any athlete, from the most seasoned professional to a novice just testing the waters. The most common sports related injuries are often a result of either overuse (excessive wear & tear) or strain (a pull or tear in a muscle or tendon). One common factor in both of these is improper technique, which can set an athlete up with muscle and postural imbalances that alter the biomechanics of the body during any type of movement – increasing the chance of injury. Repetitive and high-impact sports such as running, aerobics or dance tend to lead to the most injuries. Other sports with high risk are those with overhead movements like tennis or baseball, and even swimming. It follows that the most injured joints tend to be the ankle, knee, shoulder and elbow.

To help avoid injuries and keep your body functioning at its peak, it is important to take preventative measures, such as regular stretching, warming up, cooling down, staying hydrated and allowing your body to rest and heal a day between training session. It’s also a good idea to meet with a coach or trainer who can tweak your technique. Speak to your health care provider for more advice on injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.