As the back-to-school season settles in, so do the exciting patterns of busy schedules and athletics. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or trying out a new form of physical activity— it’s important to keep safety and injury prevention at the frontline to help ensure you can enjoy an exciting season without any hiccups. Here are a few practices to keep in mind >>
Prepare!
It’s important to ease into physical activity if you’ve been out of practice for a season or taken some time off. Be sure to allocate enough time to warm up and stretch— by doing so, you’re preparing your muscles and joints for the demands of your sport and mitigating the risks of strains, sprains, and injury. With that, proper fitting gear is essential to keeping your body safe and protecting against harm. If you feel something isn’t fitting right— simply notify your coach or check in with your provider. By speaking up, you not only prioritize your own well-being but also contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience for you and everyone on the team.
Know Your Limits!
Pushing yourself is important, but knowing when to rest is equally so. If you feel yourself becoming too fatigued or overtrained, take a step back. It’s fundamental to understand your body to prevent burnout and injuries— and be sure to give yourself enough time to recover. In addition, it’s crucial to stay on top of regular water intake to better protect yourself against the effects of dehydration. Dehydration can affect your performance and increase the likelihood of cramps and heat-related illnesses. So, remember to drink water before, during, and after physical activity to best support your body.
Your Team at St. Cloud Orthopedics
Athlete or not, staying active, taking preventive measures such as warming up, staying hydrated, and using appropriate footwear can prevent injuries during activities like weekend hikes or morning jogs. Local athletes, if you happen to stumble upon an injury or strain, you can always find one of our expert providers on the sidelines to help treat and support you— striving to get you back in the game safely and as soon as possible. No matter what, we always wish our local community members a fun, successful, and healthy season, regardless of what your favorite activity is. If you do happen to suffer an injury that needs immediate attention, remember that St. Cloud Orthopedics Urgent Injury Care is always here for you. Our dedicated team of specialists is equipped to handle a wide range of sports-related injuries promptly and effectively, ensuring you receive the care you need to get back on your feet and back in the game as soon as possible. Open daily in Sartell on weekdays from 8 a.m.