SOX FAN'S DORM ROOM

Whether it’s just natural stimuli of the season taking control over our bodies or a deliberate attempt to get into better shape, everyone gets more physically active during the summer months of the year. Basketball courts are crowded with bodies completely embroiled in the heat of competition. The water of the local pools is in constant motion due to the strokes, dives, and treading of dozens of swimmers. Bikers, walkers, runners, skaters, and movers of every sort criss-cross the sidewalks and streets of the city. The increase in activity doesn’t come without a cost; by the time fall hits, many fitness seekers will become victims of injury. Fortunately, with a little preparation and know-how a large percentage of the injuries can be avoided.

Recognize Your Weaknesses

If you’ve experienced problems with a certain muscle or joint in the past, be sure to prep it for the upcoming workout. Once you sustain an injury, chances are that you’ll re-injure that same body part again in the future unless you take the proper precautions. Use a brace, wrap, athletic tape, or whatever is needed to provide some added support and protect against further damage. A study carried out by Australian researchers concluded that subjects who had their knees taped by a physical therapist had 40 percent less knee pain than untaped participants. Worried about that big gaudy brace making you look goofy? Don’t take the gamble. You’ll look a lot sillier hobbling around like a wounded chicken. So put on the necessary gear because this isn’t a matter of style – it’s about injury prevention.

Build Up Your Core

The next step in the anti-injury process is strengthening the body’s “core” muscles. The shoulders, chest, abs, hips, and quads make up the core and represent your body’s central source of power. Keeping these muscles in tip-top shape can maintain your flexibility, balance, endurance, and strength. To build up your core muscles focus your efforts on compound weightlifting exercises such as bench presses, military presses, squats, lunges, and crunches. Compound movements incorporate multiple joints and muscles into the lift and therefore are great core exercises. Since you’re goal is to avoid injury, it’s of utter importance that you use proper form and work with a manageable weight while executing these lifts.

Let it Rest

Rest? What’s does that mean? In today’s world, everyone is going at it so gung-ho that rest is seen as a luxury only the very fortunate can afford. If you think you may have injured something or a body part isn’t functioning correctly, you need to let it rest. After a day or two of solid recovery, if the symptoms persist, then its time to contact your doctor or another licensed healthcare professional.

Support Your Joints

Over time, especially in active individuals, the cartilage that cushions joints is worn down resulting in an uncomfortable (in severe cases downright painful) friction. This condition, known as joint inflammation, is flagged by swelling, redness, or heat and afflicts millions of Americans. However, with the help of supplements the discomfort can be minimized.
Glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), two of the most popular joint aid supplements, are naturally-occurring substances that have been proven to alleviate some of the aches and pains associated with joint inflammation. In a recent study, 118 patients diagnosed with arthritis were treated with either 500 mg of glucosamine, 500 mg of MSM, a combination of the two, or a placebo. The study, which was published in the journal Clinical Drug Investigations, reported that glucosamine and MSM were both effective at lowering the patients’ pain scores when taken separately, but the greatest reduction was seen when the two were taken in combination. MSM and glucosamine are available as either single-source or multiple ingredient products in a wide variety of potencies and may be enough to keep you from further aggravating a joint that has bothered you in the past.

Wrapping it Up

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, musculoskeletal injuries – those of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves – have become the primary reason that people visit the doctor. Don’t become a statistic! By taking preventative measures you can enjoy your sport of choice from the heart of the action instead of the sideline.