by Sofia Moreau

As we warmly welcome the easing of lockdown restrictions and anticipate the reopening of fitness centers, many of us have taken advantage of the warmer weather to kick our physical activity into high gear. This surge in enthusiasm towards fitness has prompted about 28 percent of us to amplify our workout regimens, with a significant number exploring new fitness routines.

Our collective endeavor towards achieving a healthier lifestyle during this challenging time is admirable. However, with this newfound commitment to fitness comes a surge in sports-related injuries, particularly for those who might have accelerated their workout routines or ventured into unfamiliar sports and activities. High on the list of the most searched sports injuries this summer are Runner’s Knee, Tennis Elbow, neck pain from cycling, back pain from various sports, and rotator cuff pain.

Staying Safe and Injury-Free

While our enthusiasm towards fitness during this lockdown is commendable, we must remember the importance of safeguarding our well-being against injuries. Always remember to slowly build on your mileage and always wear the proper exercise gear, including appropriate running shoes for runners.

Embarking on a warm-up and cool-down routine that involves stretching the muscles around your ankle, knee, and hip is crucial before taking on strenuous activity. A good way to protect yourself, especially against runner’s knee—even if you’re not a runner—is to pair running or other high-impact sports with yoga to help stretch and strengthen your muscles.

Understanding and Treating Summer Sports Injuries

Runner’s Knee: This can be prevented by gradually increasing your mileage, warming up and cooling down properly, and ensuring you have the correct running shoes.

Tennis Elbow: This tends to occur due to overuse of the muscles and tendons in your forearm. You can manage it by not stressing these regions too much, possibly by changing your technique or reducing the time spent exercising.

Neck pain when cycling: This can be mitigated by doing simple neck stretches, adjusting your bike setup, or even consulting with a local bike shop for possible equipment adjustments.

Back pain: Introducing activities that strengthen your back and core can counter this common issue in various sports.

Rotator cuff pain: Take preventative measures by properly stretching your shoulders and arms before heavy lifting or engaging in overhead motions repeatedly.

When Injuries Occur

Unfortunately, injuries can and do occur. When they do, remember the POLICE method for early injury recovery: Protect, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Listen to your body and don’t push through pain. If you feel uneasy about the exercise or believe there’s a reason why you shouldn’t push forward, then refrain from doing so. The goal is to enjoy our workouts without compromising our well-being.

If your injury is severe, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Remember, we are striving for a healthier and fitter version of ourselves during this period, but our ultimate priority remains our general wellness.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep moving, ladies!

For appointments with physical therapists, consider reputable health clinics in your area.

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