Between the lush surrounding wilderness and the multitude of organized sports available, the Lower Mainland is a sports enthusiast’s dream. With any physical activity though, there is an inherent risk of injury with any physical activity, and without proper diagnosis and aftercare, even an unassuming injury can immobilize an athlete. The best a person can do to avoid injuries is to know which are most common and take preventive steps to protect against them.
To Be Forewarned Is to Be Forearmed
The most frequently-occurring types of injury will vary between age, activities, and sexes. Sports pose the highest risk of injury to 15-19 year-olds, and in general, ailments of the knees, shoulders, and elbows are most common across all groups. Cycling accounts for a quarter of all sports injuries, and snowboard/skiing is responsible for about one in every six. Hockey and skateboarding are the next most dangerous sports for adults. For children, playgrounds present the most likely place for an injury to occur.
Stretch!
Do a light warm-up so that you’re not stretching cold muscles. Proceed through a whole-body stretching routine and then focus on the area that gets the most workout from your sport. Dynamic, moving stretches are better than static stretches, and never do them to the point of pain.
A list of basic stretches can be found easily with a google search. It’s not necessary to live in fear of injuries, but knowing the risks involved can help to mitigate them. When partaking in the more injury-prone activities, take care, be mindful of your body, and engage in stretching before and after. These simple steps can help to keep you in good health and able to enjoy your favourite sport for years to come.
Newleaf Wellness offers a variety of therapies including physiotherapy, chiropractic, naturopathic, and massage therapy in a warm and compassionate environment in our Abbotsford location. If you have any questions about this article or would like to make an appointment, please contact us.
Sources:
“Sport & Recreation.” BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, BC Injury Research, www.injuryresearch.bc.ca/quick-facts/sport-recreation/.