Injury Prevention Tips for Seasonal Athletes
As many student athletes head back onto the field, it’s important to make injury prevention a priority.
“Not all injuries can be prevented, however many can be avoided,” said Dr. Brett D. Owens, an orthopaedic surgeon and the spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
“All athletes, from grade school and high school students to weekend enthusiasts, should take proper safety precautions before embarking on a high-impact, seasonal sports program,” Owens said in a news release. “These include warming up before practice, staying in shape during the off season, and staying hydrated, especially in the heat of August and early September.”
If you, or the athlete in your life, hasn’t had a pre-season physical examination, make sure to schedule one promptly.
The following tips come courtesy of the AAOS, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the STOP Sports Injuries campaign:
- When playing, wear protective gear such as properly-fitted cleats, pads, helmet, mouth guard or other necessary equipment.
- Warm-up and cool down properly with low-impact exercises like jogging that gradually increase or lower heart rate.
- Play multiple positions, and other sports, during the off-season to minimize overuse injuries.
- Pay attention to weather conditions such as excessively hot and humid temperatures, to help avoid heat illness. Be cautious of wet, slippery conditions that can lead to injuries.
- Consistently incorporate strength training and stretching. A good stretch involves not going beyond the point of resistance and should be held for 10-12 seconds.
- Hydrate adequately to maintain health and minimize muscle cramps. Waiting until you are thirsty is often too late to hydrate properly.
- Don’t play through the pain. Consult an orthopaedic sports medicine specialist or athletic trainer if you have any concerns about injuries or need tips on preventing injuries.
- Avoid pressure to overtrain. Listen to your body and decrease training time and intensity if pain or discomfort develops. This will reduce the risk of injury and help avoid “burn-out.”
Source: AAOS news release
+ Learn about the Sports Performance Program at Bon Secours In Motion. Our certified strength and conditioning specialists, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, and sports medicine physicians collaborate to bring you a wide spectrum of options to improve your performance.
+ Read about Physiological Training