Exercise is a great way to stay healthy, but it can also lead to injuries if you’re not careful. Orthopaedic injuries can be painful, time-consuming, and keep you from doing things you love. So, it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent them. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while exercising and avoid injury:
1. Warm up and cool down.
Before beginning any type of physical activity, it’s important to warm up your muscles and joints. This helps to increase blood flow and loosen tight muscles, which can help avoid injury. Additionally, it’s important to cool down after exercise, as this helps restore your body to its pre-exercise state and reduce the risk of muscle soreness.
2. Listen to your body.
Exercise can be hard on your body. So, it’s important to listen for any signs of pain or discomfort. If any pain does occur, it’s important to stop the activity and allow your body time to rest and recover. Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to your breathing and heart rate, as overexertion can lead to fatigue and injury.
3. Use good form.
Proper form is essential for avoiding injury. Make sure you’re using the correct technique when lifting weights or performing any other type of exercise. If necessary, seek the advice of a professional to help you with your form.
4. Wear the right gear.
Athletic shoes, protective gear, and other appropriate clothing can help you steer clear of potential injuries. For example, wearing the right shoes can help absorb shock and provide support to your feet and ankles. Additionally, wearing protective gear such as helmets, elbow and knee pads, and mouthguards can help you avoid more serious injury.
5. Stay hydrated.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue and muscle cramps, which can increase your risk of injury. Therefore, it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. Additionally, electrolyte drinks can help replace lost minerals and provide your body with the fuel it needs to stay energized.
6. Start slowly and progress gradually.
If you’re just starting a new exercise routine, it’s important to build up your strength and endurance gradually. Doing too much too soon can increase your risk of injury. Therefore, it’s important to start slow and progress gradually over time.
In Closing
By following these tips, you can help avoid injury and stay safe while exercising. Remember to always listen to your body, wear the right gear, stay hydrated, and start slowly to get the most out of your workout and reduce your risk of getting hurt. Additionally, if you’d like to learn more, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers helpful Safe Exercise Guidelines to help you avoid injury during exercise.
Advanced Ortho & Spine can help.
Need help making your orthopaedic health a priority? At Advanced Ortho & Spine (AOS) we can work with you to create an orthopaedic care plan that fits your individual needs and situation. Additionally, we specialize in caring for patients with full range of orthopaedic injuries and conditions. In fact, most are able to get back to living their best lives with only conservative treatment, like physical therapy. Schedule an appointment by calling 615.885.0200 or request an appointment online today.
Dr. Christopher Cook is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine & Joint Replacement Specialist at Advanced Ortho and Spine. He provides a full spectrum of Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine, and Shoulder & Upper Extremity services. Contact us today for more information or to request an appointment.
James Eby, MD, is a board-certified physiatrist, who specializes in nonoperative spinal procedures at Advanced Ortho & Spine. He provides a full spectrum of Physical Medicine treatments. Contact us today for more information or to request an appointment.
Dr. Tarek Elalayli is a board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon, who specializes in treating a full range of spinal conditions. Contact us today for more information or to request an appointment.
Dr. Erik Maryniw is a Board-Certified Hand and Upper Extremity Orthopaedic Surgeon at Advanced Ortho and Spine. He provides a full spectrum of Orthopaedic care and Microvascular Surgery from the hand to the shoulder. Contact us today for more information or to request an appointment.
Mitul Patel, MD is a board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon, who specializes in treating a full range of spinal conditions. Contact us today for more information or to request an appointment.
Dr. Lee Swiderek is a Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Replacement Specialist at Advanced Ortho and Spine. He provides a full spectrum of Joint Replacement and Complex Hip and Knee Reconstruction services. Contact us today for more information or to request an appointment.
Dr. Daniel Hagaman is a Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist at Advanced Ortho and Spine. He specializes in a range of orthopaedic conditions and treatments including Knee Arthroscopy, Knee Ligament & Cartilage Repair, Shoulder Arthroscopy, Hip Arthroscopy, Orthobiologistics, and more. Contact us today for more information and to request an appointment.
With two locations near Nashville in Mt. Juliet and Hermitage, Advanced Ortho and Spine provides patients with high-quality, personalized care while advancing orthopaedic excellence. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment.
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