Avoiding Summer Sports Injuries

The warm and sunny summer months are great for motivating people to get outside and engage in sports and other physical activities. However, with the change in season comes an uptick in summer sports injuries. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our team would like to share some ways you can avoid summer sports injuries and stay on the field with your teammates. Continue reading to learn more! 

What Are Common Summer Sports Injuries?

Summer days are best spent outdoors and engaging in different sports and recreational activities. However, summer sports can lead to various injuries. Most sports injuries occur due to repetitive stress, sudden trauma, and ligament and muscle sprains, strains, and tears. Some of the most prevalent summer sports injuries we see at Island Sports Physical Therapy tend to include: 

• Sprains and Strains.
• Knee Injuries.
• Shoulder Injuries.
• Elbow Injuries.
• Back Injuries.
• Neck Injuries.
• Fractures.
• Dislocations.

Avoiding Summer Sports Injuries

Amid all of the summer sports excitement, it’s essential to exercise caution in order to avoid suffering injuries while playing. Sports injuries are typically a result of trauma or overuse. While several factors can lead to painful injuries, awareness and prevention are imperative to avoid missing out on the fun. Some of the ways you can prevent summer sports injuries can include:

• Don’t neglect your warm-ups and cool-downs: One of the most important things you can do to prevent summer sports injuries is to make sure you are properly warming up your muscles before playing. A good warm-up routine will increase your heart rate and blood flow to your muscles, making them more pliable and less likely to be damaged. Similarly, it is essential to cool down after playing to help your muscles recover.
• Set goals – Understanding your current limitations is vital for avoiding injuries all year long. Setting realistic goals and gradually increasing your activities as you progress is essential. This can help you avoid pushing too hard and decrease your risk of injuries. Our physical therapists can help you set goals and plan a program that includes strengthening, stretching, and cardiovascular training. 
• Stay hydrated: Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for preventing summer sports injuries. When you sweat, you lose significant amounts of water and electrolytes that need to be replaced in order to avoid cramping and other problems. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and even more so if you are playing in a hot climate.
• Wear the right gear: Wearing the proper gear for your sport can help prevent summer sports injuries. Make sure you have good quality shoes that fit correctly, and that you are wearing appropriate protective equipment for your sport.
• Listen to your body: Finally, one of the best ways to prevent summer sports injuries is to listen to your body. If you are feeling fatigued or sore, take a break. Don’t push yourself too hard, and make sure you are getting enough rest.

At Island Sports Physical Therapy, we understand the importance of avoiding summer sports injuries. If you do suffer a summer sports injury, our team of physical therapists can help you heal and get back to your favorite activities as soon as possible. We will design a unique, sports-specific program to help you achieve optimal performance and streamline your recovery process. 

Contact Us 

The summer season opens up new opportunities for fun activities, but it’s important to keep your safety and health in mind. With a few simple tips, you can avoid summer sports injuries and enjoy all your favorite activities. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, we’re here to help you heal if you do suffer an injury. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more!