Preventive Measures to Avoid Injuries
By Brandi Goodman
Injuries are always possible no matter what it is you're doing. Whether you're riding a bike, taking a walk, playing a sport, or even just walking around your own home, injuries are common. However, with some preventive measures in mind, you can do your best to avoid injuries and keep your body in top shape.
Strengthen Your Core
Your core is responsible for maintaining balance and keeping you steady on your feet. A weak core does not allow you to hold yourself up well when doing certain tasks. If you're one who frequently trips over your own feet and falls often, you may want to think about strengthening your core and exercising your body so you can hold yourself up strongly.
Add Tools for Fall Prevention to Your Home
This is quite common for older adults, but anyone struggling with frequent falls should add tools to their home. Fall prevention tools, such as grab bars and non-slip rugs are essentials for keeping you upright and on your feet.
Wear Your Sports Gear
Sports gear was invented for a reason. It keeps certain body parts protected so you have the best chance at avoiding injuries on the court or field. Football is one of the main sports that sees the use of protective gear. Aside from the helmet, you should also wear shoulder pads, knee pads, and a mouth guard for full protection. It's no different than using goggles while swimming or helmets, knee, and elbow pads while bike riding.
Stretch Before Activities
Stretching out your body well can be a huge help for injury prevention. Some injuries are not due to a lack of core strength, no balance, or failing to wear the appropriate protective gear. Some simply happen because of muscle and joint overuse and not properly stretching and ensuring flexibility before the activity began. You should stretch well before any physical activity so your body is adequately prepared for the occasion and less likely to become sore, overworked, and possibly injured.
Stop When You Feel Sore
Pushing past the pain has long been a recommendation for those who want to achieve their goals. However, there's a huge difference between a little bit of discomfort that you need to deal with and actual physical pain that's caused by an injury or muscle overuse. You need to stop when you're feeling sore and actually allow your body the time to rest and recover. If you have an injury, pushing past the pain will only worsen your problem.
Use these injury prevention measures to avoid getting hurt and experiencing pain. It's best to keep your body in the best shape possible so you can maintain your balance and well-being.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Evans, Ga.