
When it comes to sports, sometimes too much of a great thing can be, well, too much — too much running, swinging, throwing, jumping. These repetitive motions can lead to overuse injuries, which may prevent you from participating for the rest of the season and limit rehabilitation. And they could even have long-term effects.
If you or your child participate in organized sports or focus on a sport individually, you may be at risk for an overuse injury.
Ideally, at the end of the season, athletes of any age or ability should take a break to give their bodies a chance to rest and heal to prevent overuse injuries. It's also a good time to check with your health care professional to ensure that any aches, pains or reduced range of motion can be addressed.
If you notice these signs, make an appointment with your child's health care professional.
Since overuse injuries typically are due to repetitive motions, it's important to shake up your training routine during your sport's offseason. An offseason training routine should focus on strength and conditioning to prevent injuries and enhance performance. So it may include aspects of speed, strength, agility and mechanics, depending on the sport.
Offseason training may be available for student-athletes through their school or private companies.
Consider incorporating cross-training into your offseason routine. Instead of focusing on one type of exercise, try a completely different activity.
These activities can help prevent overuse by allowing your body to use different muscle groups and not overload any one particular group. And because they're low-impact, they're more friendly to your joints.
Before the new season for your sport starts, check back with your health care professional to be sure your body's on track for achieving your fitness and performance goals.
T. Andrew Israel, M.D., practices orthopedic surgery and sports medicine in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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