Healthy Tips
How can I prevent a sports injury?
The following are some basic steps to prevent a sports injury:
- Warm up properly before any physical activity. Stretching exercises
can improve the muscles' ability to contract and perform, reducing the
risk for injury.
- Alternate exercising different muscle groups and exercise every other
day.
- Wear the right gear. Players should wear appropriate and properly fit
protective equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee,
shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eyewear.
- Shoe support may correct certain foot problems that can lead to injury.
- Take breaks. Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries
and prevent illness.
- Cool down properly after exercise or sports.
- Back injuries may be prevented with the following:
- pelvic tilt exercises (to decrease excessive lower
back curvature)
- abdominal strengthening exercises (to help stabilize the back)
- lower back stretches
- If you do sustain a sports injury, make sure you participate in adequate
rehabilitation before resuming strenuous activity.
© 2010 Milford Regional Medical Center
