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Sports Injury Prevention Tips

Written on . Posted in Conditions, Exercise & Movement, Physical Therapy.

By Marylyn Presutti

Therapydia DC 

 

Recreational sports participation is an excellent way for many people to stay active and healthy.  Basketball, soccer, running, and cycling are just a few examples of ways to stay physically active throughout one’s lifespan.  Exercise has many health benefits, and no one should be sidelined from preventable injuries. Muscle strains, overuse injuries, and joint pain are just a few reasons why patients seek out medical care after sports participation. Most of these injuries can be easily avoided with a few key sports injury prevention tips. 

Tip 1: Warm Up Appropriately

Dynamic warm ups (as opposed to static stretching), before activity can help improve muscle performance by increasing blood flow and tissue mobility. A few examples of dynamic warm up movements are jumping jacks and high knees.  

Tip 2: Use proper footwear

Using old, worn out shoes, or shoes that do not fit correctly can change mechanics and lead to pain.  Running shoes come in different drops and levels of stability, and there are many factors that play into finding the right shoe for the right person.  Getting fitted for the appropriate shoes based on running pattern and foot mechanics is suggested, and this is something that physical therapists are qualified to perform 

Tip 3: Dress appropriately for the sport

Many sports require additional equipment, such as knee pads or shin guards, and not utilizing such equipment during sport may increase the risk of injury.  Also consider matching the type of shoe to the sport.  For example, if someone is participating in a dance class but is wearing a running shoe, they may not have the correct tread in the shoe to allow for pivoting or turning without increased stress to the lower leg.  

Tip 4: Incorporate cross training 

Cross Training is important, especially when it comes to strengthening. Many sports injuries occur as a result of poor biomechanics with jumping, landing, and cutting movements.  The muscles in the hip help provide stability to the leg and lumbar spine, providing proper control with these sports specific movements.  Adding a comprehensive strength program can help reduce the risk of injury.  A few examples of hip strengthening exercises include glute bridges, clam shells, and side lying leg lift (hip abduction).  

Physical Therapists are qualified to not only treat, but also prevent sports injuries. Physical Therapists at Therapydia treat the whole person, not just the injury, and strive to help patients reach their functional goals so they can maintain health and wellness over their lifespan. Therapydia physical therapists have the knowledge, training and certifications to enhance patient outcomes, and whether it is assessing running mechanics and making shoe recommendations to prevent sports related injuries, Therapydia has the musculoskeletal experts that can help.

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Jessica Jones

Physical Therapist

Jessica recently moved to Seattle from Boston, MA and is excited to join the Therapydia team. Her treatment experience includes orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatrics, and vestibular therapy. Jessica received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2016. She has completed the Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency at Boston Children’s Hospital and is in the process of completing a Comprehensive Vestibular Rehabilitation certification. Jessica believes in empowering and inspiring patients to take control of their health through education, movement, and exercise. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and levels while utilizing soft tissue techniques, neuromuscular re-education, balance training as well as therapeutic exercise. In her free time, Jessica enjoys yoga, dancing, kayaking, and hiking with her dog!