Summer is a time to have fun and spend time outdoors. Now that the sun is shining, you are probably looking forward to some rest and relaxation as you plan your summer vacation. It’s a time when you can go out for a walk roll down the windows and take in everything that nature has to offer. The weather encourages you to be active and venture outside.
But with outdoor activities, there’s always a risk for injuries due to twists, turns, and falls, among other reasons. The good news is that these injuries can be easily prevented with the help of a physical therapist.
A Safe, Fun Summer
Here are some tips to ensure a safe, fun, and injury-free summer:
1. Wear Protective Gear
When participating in contact sports, it is essential to wear protective gear appropriate to that activity. For example, wearing helmets, gloves, properly fitting shoes, and shin pads (depending on the sport or activity) can prevent injury. Children are undoubtedly more prone to sustaining injuries such as scrapes, bruises, ligament tears, and even broken bones.
2. Stretching Exercises
Summer presents a tempting opportunity to jump into several activities. If your muscles are deconditioned from the long winter, it’s important to plan ahead. You want to eliminate muscle tears and joint injuries, all of which form a part of the ‘weekend warrior syndrome’. Stretching the muscles and warming them up adequately before and after exercising can help prevent muscle aches and joint pains. Your physical therapist will be able to advise you on the right stretching exercises to perform before and after participating in any activity.
3. Proper Body Mechanics
It’s important to be careful when using equipment. Gardening tends to be a popular activity during the summer. Using a wheelbarrow to carry heavy objects is highly advisable. Your physical therapist will also give you great advice on how to avoid back injuries by teaching you how to use different muscle groups when lifting heavy objects and other activities.
4. Strengthen the Core
The core muscles refer to the abdominals and lower back. Exercises such as leg raises, crunches and simple rotational movements can help strengthen the muscles of the back and abdomen. This can help in preventing injuries. Your physical therapist will provide you with various exercises that can strengthen your core and prevent back, hip, and knee injuries.
The Best Summer Ever
Don’t let the summer months pass you by because of an injury. Nobody wants to spend the summer stuck in bed because of a preventable injury. Visit your physical therapist today to learn about injury prevention this summer.
As your physical therapists, we want you to enjoy the activities you love without hurting yourself. Let us help you plan for a fun and exciting summer.
Call Us Today
If you find yourself out of shape or in pain after a long winter’s rest, reach out to us. We’ll help your body prepare for a fabulous summer.