Exercise injuries are a common phenomenon. There are many different types that you may encounter depending on what parts of the body you focus on during your workout. Athletes are especially prone to these types of injuries, but the pros know how to heal quickly without adding more strain and delaying the recovery process.
The good news is that for the average person, many of these injuries are preventable. Even if you are injured, there are also steps you can take to treat your injury and get back to doing what you love.
Prevention
Preventing injuries from happening in the first place is the easiest way to stay healthy. There are several things you can do before a workout to make this happen. Some of them include:
Stretching and Warming Up– When you work out, make sure you are dedicating enough time to stretching and warming up. This is the time your body needs to prepare your heart, muscles, and joints for strenuous activity. Without it, you risk straining or pulling your muscles. Take time in your cool-down as well to stretch and bring your heart rate down.
Proper Attire– This is something that most people don’t consider when working out, but it can make a significant difference. First, find a good pair of shoes, especially if you are a runner. A good pair will support you and decrease the chance of injury to the neck, back, and legs. Well-fitted but comfortable clothing can also ensure that you are feeling your best and alert while working out.
Hydration and a Balanced Diet– Drinking and eating well are both essential for preventing injuries. These essentials will allow your body to regulate itself and give you the energy you need to sustain your workout. It will also be easier for you to build and maintain new muscle groups.
Treatment
Although we all strive to prevent injuries from occurring, sometimes they are unavoidable. Accidents happen, and sometimes our bodies are not prepared. One of the most popular treatment methods is myotherapy, such as the services available at Northern Myotherapy Melbourne clinics.
Myotherapy
Myotherapy is a special branch of physical therapy that focuses on soft tissue treatments. Professionals in this field will work on stopping or easing skeletal pain. They use a variety of methods, some of which include:
Massage– Massage is one successful treatment option for soft tissue injuries. The remedial massage is often used for specific muscle tensions and areas of chronic pain. Sports massages are also used to heal injuries as a preventative measure for athletes or in general care.
Cupping– Cupping has its roots in ancient care techniques. It uses small plastic-vacuum cups that are applied to the skin. Cupping can help increase blood flow and ease tension and pain in the targeted area. This technique can also be used in conjunction with a massage.
Needling– This technique is similar to acupuncture and is designed to decrease pain by releasing knots in the muscle. These knots in the muscle are also known as myofascial trigger points. Needling is often used with other treatment methods for overall care.
R.I.C.E. Method
Outside of myotherapy, another popular method for immediate treatment is the R.I.C.E. method. R.I.C.E. is an acronym that stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. When you follow these steps, R.I.C.E. prevents swelling and will usually lead to faster healing times.
Conclusion
These are just a few tips that you can try to prevent exercise injuries and treat them when needed. If you are ever unsure about the best way to prevent and treat an injury, never hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
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