5 Tips to Prevent Sports Injuries this Summer
Sports. We love the challenge of our bodies. Yet injuries are just a matter of time, whether leisure or professional. But fortunately we can harness our body’s own regenerative powers to heal us back into shape.
Dr. Andrew Cosgarea, head team physician for Johns Hopkins University Department of Athletics, said “Sports injuries generally occur for two different reasons: trauma and overuse.” He provides five different prevention tips to keep yourself safe and injury-free:
Set realistic goals. Set an attainable goal and gradually work to improve it.
Plan and prepare. Take time to learn proper techniques, whether it’s basketball, hiking in the mountains, or running.
Warm up and cool down properly. Be sure to stretch and warm up before your activity with some light walking.
Take your time. Don’t push yourself too hard or too fast. Our bodies need time to adjust to the stresses on our bones, joints and muscles.
Listen to your body. Mild muscle ache can be considered “good pain,” but continued pain in your joints is not normal, and a sign you should cut back.
For more information on sports injury prevention, click here.
