Helpful Tips from a Sports Medicine Doctor on How to Prevent Injuries

Whether you like to dribble on the court or on the driveway, jog or run for exercise every day, or participate in any other physical activity, we never know when an injury might happen. You could suffer from an acute injury when you simply move your leg the wrong way or step off of a curb awkwardly. Or, you might be a painter or a hairdresser by profession, and you experience a repetitive-stress injury.

A sports medicine doctor addresses musculoskeletal and sports injuries of all kinds, even if the injury didn’t occur while playing a sport. Osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, can also fall into the category of a sports injury because it develops over time due to participating in physical activity.

An orthopedic physician is your best bet for pain management and injury recovery. Let’s hear about some helpful tips for preventing injuries as told by a sports medicine doctor, and where you can go for optimum orthopedic treatment in St. Charles County.

Tip #1: Always Warm Up and Cool Down

Before you exercise or play a sport, don’t jump right in – always warm up first. Do some simple walking around, stretching, or light jogging before you start. The purpose is to literally get your soft tissues warm because soft tissues – such as muscles – are less likely to get injured when they’re warm. Do the same type of thing to cool down afterward.

Tip #2: Stop When You’re in Pain

While slight and fleeting pain can indicate that you’re working your muscles, don’t push yourself too far past the pain. Otherwise, you risk injuring yourself. Be sure to listen to your body and take a break or stop for the day when you feel pain.

Tip #3: Build Up Endurance Slowly

Have your orthopedist help you create a workout routine whereby you build up endurance and strength gradually. Improving your sports performance takes time – you don’t want to rush the process, or you could subject yourself to an injury.

Tip #4: Develop a Consistent Workout Schedule

A healthy exercise schedule involves alternating working out the various muscle groups. For example, you may want to alternate between cardio training and strength training. It is also a good idea to schedule an off-day each week.

Tip #5: Continue to Increase Your Flexibility and Strength

The stronger and more flexible your muscles and joints are, the more easily they will be able to withstand heavy sports and activities – and the less likely they are to endure an injury.

Sports Medicine Clinics in O’Fallon and St. Peters, MO

Don’t let a sports injury or musculoskeletal pain interfere with your progress and your active lifestyle. Book an appointment at Advanced Bone & Joint, serving O’Fallon, St. Peters, and the surrounding St. Louis area. Contact our friendly team today by calling us at (636) 229-4222 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you!