LIVE WELL
Spring is finally here and with it comes a new and exciting season of outdoor activities! Many of us will be heading outside to play golf, baseball, garden, or maybe just to enjoy a bike ride. Unfortunately, we see many patients at this time of year who injure themselves getting back to outdoor activities. Most of us haven’t planted flowers in the yard or hit the trail on a bicycle since last year. Even something as simple as starting your lawn mower can stress your back and shoulders. Below are some common activities and associated areas of the body that may be stressed.
Mowing the lawn and digging — Back and shoulder pain
Mulching and planting — Back and knee pain
Weed whacking — Shoulder and knee pain
Painting and power-washing — Back, neck and shoulder pain
At SP.OR.T.S. we want you to enjoy spring while minimizing your risks for aches, pains, sprains and strains. Here are some tips to help you avoid injuries that are commonly associated with spring chores and activities:
Consult a Physician: Before you begin a new sport or jump back into an old one you haven't done in a while.
Build Gradually: If it has been some time since participating in an activity, slowly ease into it to reduce the risk of an injury.
Hydrate: The American Heart Association states that keeping the body hydrated assists the heart function optimally.
Warm up and Stretch: Warm up for a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes so the body can prepare for an activity. Stretch to improve blood circulation and increase flexibility.
Take breaks during activity: It's important to rest during physical activities, whether it is a leisurely activity, practice or a game.
If you’ve already injured yourself, please contact us for an appointment. Physical Therapy is a safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of joint, muscle, ligament, tendon and functional problems.
Source:Staying Hydrated - Staying Healthy http://bit.ly/2oSQfIc