As we head away from the chilly embrace of winter, for many people, it means one thing – time to get off the couch and enjoy the sunshine. Many of us like to spend that time actively, whether hitting the beach for a game of volleyball, lacing up running shoes for a jog, or competing with neighbors for yard of the month honors. We love to humble ourselves on one of our many golf courses, or challenge a friend in a tennis match for bragging rights. Whether it’s running a marathon, or just getting our gardens planted, this inherent calling to get outdoors also results in a predictable upswing in injuries, often caused by doing too much, too soon.
Sprains and strains are common overuse injuries as we feed our recreational hunger and get outside to enjoy the nice weather. Stress fractures, shin splints, tendonitis, ITB syndrome, and rotator cuff injuries all seem to meteorically rise during the warmer months.
Rest, taping, or braces may allow the body to heal on its own. Others require an over the counter or a medically prescribed anti-inflammatory. Some may need an injection to effectively resolve. As with any treatment, there are risks of adverse reactions, and even ruptures in some tendons. Physical therapy may be ordered by your physician to assist in the healing process. While strengthening and stretching appropriately have clear benefits, the often-quoted mantra of “no pain, no gain” does not always help, and can worsen the condition if you push through the pain.
Regardless of the injury, the best treatment is prevention. You can reduce the frequency of injuries by maintaining some degree of health and gradually building yourself up to 100 percent over time. Fatigue and overuse leave you more susceptible to lazy mechanics and an increased risk of injury, whereas hydration and good nutrition are key for performance and proper recovery from activities.
To some degree, injuries are an unavoidable by-product of an active lifestyle, but the advantages of being healthy and active far outweigh the risk and incidence of injury. The pull of outside activities in the spring and summer sun will always draw a crowd, as it has for generations before us, and is likely to continue generations beyond. We will continue to work our gardens and test our metal with those around us, even at the expense of nursing a sore shoulder or knee for a few weeks thereafter. Professional Rehabilitations Services will be there to assist your recovery and get you back in the game. Our highly credentialed therapists will assist you with injury prevention and efficient recovery so you can get back out there and enjoy your lives.
At Professional Rehabilitation Services, we treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions using the latest in evidence-based therapies. You can also visit our website at www.prsrehabservices.com to learn more about our company and download a referral form for your physician to fill out.
Call and schedule a free 15 minute consultation today! 843-831-0163
