Common training injuries and how to avoid them
There are so many opportunities for injuries to occur during training and exercise, but equally there are ways to avoid the onset of these injuries. Below are some of the common injuries that can occur as a result of training:
- Back pain from sprains and strains – certain movements can overstretch or overload any of the hundreds of joints of the spine, causing sprains and strains.
- Ankle sprains – these are a commonly occurring injury – most of us have probably experienced rolling an ankle as a child. Bad sprains can weaken the ankle, leaving it susceptible to re-injury even with light activities.
- Knee injuries – trauma and overstraining of the knee muscles need to be seen to as they can lead on to many other different disorders of the knee.
- Shoulder sprains and strains – the large range of motion of the shoulder leaves it vulnerable to muscle strain, sprain, tendonitis and bursitis, which can become chronic and difficult to manage.
- Groin and hamstring strains – a common complaint in relation to sports, it can be the result of many factors including poor form or technique, tight muscles or improper warm up.
- Overuse injuries – due to overuse and repetitive movements that cause irritation and inflammation to the affected area.
Treatment can bring complete recovery for most training injuries. However, left untreated they may remain problematic, either becoming a reoccurring injury or causing chronic pain, discomfort and restricted mobility.
The best course of action is to avoid the injury in the first place, and at the top of the list for avoiding injury is to seek the advice of one of our experienced Osteopaths at 13th Beach Health Services. Osteopaths have a thorough understanding of an individual’s biomechanics (the structure and function of the mechanical aspects of the body). Their thorough knowledge and understanding of how previous or current injuries and conditions will affect how your body is able to move enables them to provide individualised treatment and advice.
Some other ways you can avoid injury include:
- Easing into your training, allowing your body time to adjust to new movements and demands.
- Warming up prior to training to increase blood flow to the muscles.
- Stopping the exercise when you feel pain.
With the above list as a general guide, you are still best advised to seek the advice and treatment of an experienced practitioner. At 13th Beach Health Services in Barwon Heads, our friendly team consists of Osteopaths, Physiotherapists as well as Pilates Instructors, Myotherapists and a Remedial Massage Therapist & Podiatrists. Contact us today on (03) 5254 2668 for an appointment with our caring team, and see how we can help you to avoid injury and improve your training technique. Alternatively you can book online Here.