The warmer weather has a way of getting people outside and active, which is good; however the increased activity also comes with an increased risk of injury. Sprains and strains are more likely to occur when we jump into a new activity, especially if we’re not conditioned.
It’s important to know that injuries can occur even in low-risk activities like gardening, golf and tennis. Below is a breakdown of 5 of the most common summer injuries and how you can relieve them.
Rotator Cuff –
Rotator Cuff injuries are most often the result of repetitive strains over a long period of time. Rotator cuff problems cause pain with shoulder movement, especially when reaching up. The problem is common in those who perform repeated overhead activities like swimming, tennis, painting and carpentry.
Neck and Back Pain –
Just about any outdoor activity poses a risk to your spine, and poor form or posture can cause added strain your neck and back. Repetitive reaching, bending and twisting often result in stiffness and pain. In fact, the most common complaint among golfers is lower back pain.
Tennis Elbow –
Tennis Elbow is a common term for elbow pain caused by overuse of arm, forearm, and hand. Activities involving repetitive wrist extension are a well-known cause of this condition, i.e., tennis, carpentry, knitting, or lifting objects with your palm facing down.
Knee Injuries –
The most common cause of knee pain is “Runner’s Knee”, which produces a dull pain behind the kneecap. The condition often results from an imbalance of the muscles that control the thigh and knee. This condition is aggravated by; prolonged walking, running, squatting, jumping, stair climbing or arising from a seated position.
Plantar Fasciitis –
Plantar Fasciitis is a common summertime injury. The pain usually occurs near the heel and is caused from overstretching the fibrous band of tissue on the bottom of your foot. We frequently see this condition in runners. This problem, like the others, often results from the “terrible too’s”- too much activity, too long or too fast. Here’s a short video with more details about this condition : http://healthierillinois.com/plantar-fasciitis/ .
How Chiropractic Can Help
Initially, it may be necessary for you to minimize activities that provoke your pain. Conservative care, like the type provided in our office, is generally successful at relieving your symptoms. We can provide many different options to help you feel better quickly:
- Therapy modalities to ease your muscle tightness, pain and swelling.
- Myofascial release to remove your long-standing tightness.
- Therapeutic stretching to restore your flexibility.
- Gentle manipulation to restore movement to tight or restricted joints.
If you, or someone you know, is suffering with pain- call our office today! We have the knowledge and tools to help you get back to the active summer lifestyle that you love!
