Summer might be coming to an end but summer sports are still in full gear. Athlete’s Care wants to make sure you finish on a healthy note and keep your game strong for the Fall. Even a minor sports injury can keep you on the bench for weeks and half the battle with sports injuries is knowing when it’s safe to get back into the game. That’s where preventive sports medicine comes in.
Preventive sports medicine is a part of a training program that requires regular examination of muscles to assess range of motion, strength, coordination and stabilization. It also includes risk assessment with a proactive approach to ensure proper muscle and joint health.
If you lead an active lifestyle or train regularly, preventive sports medicine can support your training plan. The key to making the most of preventive medicine is to identify indicators of potential injuries and get them taken care of before they impact your lifestyle. Summer sports such as soccer and tennis can cause repetitive strain to some muscles and joints which can cause some of the following symptoms:
- Joint pain
- Tenderness in a specific area
- Swelling near joints
- Numbness or excessive tightness
- Reduced range of motion
If any of the above symptoms persist, you should see a physiotherapist for a proper diagnosis. A physiotherapist is able to use technology and an exercise plan to strengthen areas that are impacted by sports or previous injuries. Training for a specific sport will require you to use the same muscles and repetitive strain can cause muscle imbalances leading to injuries. By strengthening muscles that are underused, physiotherapy allows athletes to perform to the best of their ability and helps to speed up recovery time for injured athletes.
Some common injuries to watch for from summer sports such as Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball include:
- Shin splints (soreness in the calf)
- Patellar tendinitis (pain in the knee)
- Achilles tendinitis (pain in the back of the ankle)
- Tennis elbow
- Shoulder injuries
Physiotherapy can help these injuries with exercises that can help to improve flexibility, balance, stability and strength. Laser technology can also be used to increase blood flow to injured areas.
A preventive plan should be a part of every athlete’s training program. By visiting a physiotherapist on a regular basis, you can be confident that you’re doing everything to achieve your training goals in a responsible way. Book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists to get an assessment and to learn more about staying safe in your game.
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