If you’re an athlete, you have almost certainly suffered a sports injury at some point in your playing career. The risk of injury is present in all sports and for athletes of all abilities, but what if that did not have to be the case? Is it actually possible to avoid sports injuries?
Preventing sports injuries through stretching
The short answer is there is no surefire way to prevent all sports injuries all the time. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help reduce the chance of suffering a sports injury. Stretching is one of the best and easiest ways to lessen the risk of getting hurt while playing sports. The benefits of stretching are numerous including:
- Increasing blood flow to the muscle tissue and tendons
- Reducing muscle tension and soreness
- Improving range of motion and flexibility
- Lessening the risk of suffering a sports injury
While most athletes stretch before exercise, it is also important to stretch after exercise. Stretching after the game can reduce the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles which is what causes them to be sore after a workout. It also helps your body cool down gradually and can help prevent cramps.
Know your fatigue point
It is human nature to be competitive and want to win. We are willing to push ourselves beyond our limits in the quest for victory. However, pushing ourselves beyond the point of fatigue drastically increases the risk of suffering a sports injury.
When the body is fatigued, proper technique suffers and body coordination is lessened. It is much easier to roll an ankle or suffer a muscle strain when you are tired and your movements are not crisp. Learn to recognize this fatigue point and you can help avoid a careless injury.
Physical therapy for sports injuries
If you do suffer a sports injury, Border Therapy Services can help get you back in the game. Physical therapy is an excellent tool to help strengthen the injured body part. By building strength and stability around the injured area, you can reduce your risk of suffering a future injury. Contact us today to set up your first appointment.