If you live and breathe exercise or sports, there’s no better person to advise you on the best ways to avoid injury and reach your potential than a sports medicine doctor.
Here are some useful tips from Dr. Jack Lennox, our highly experienced sports medicine specialist here at Tri-County Orthopedics in Farmington Hills, Michigan:
1.) Listen to your body.
If you are going to participate in sports activities, be aware of the signals your body sends you. For example, discomfort is a sign that you’re doing or have done something that your body is not used to physically, while pain is a sign that something could be seriously wrong. Pain alerts you to stop or decrease any nonessential or unrelated physical activity until you and your doctor know exactly what is causing it and what appropriate response should be taken.
2.) Pace yourself.
Don’t try to do too much too soon when starting an exercise program (either aerobic or strength condition) or shifting to a new sports-related activity. Instead, expose your body gradually to the demands of the activity and progressively increase your exertion.
3.) Refrain from “toughing out” pain.
You have nothing to prove by ignoring pain and forcing your body to strain itself further. If you ignore the pain, you will only exacerbate your condition or injury, leading to more serious physical problems.
If pain persists after a reasonable period of rest, see Dr. Lennox as soon as possible.
4.) Warm-up and cool down.
Stretch your muscles before and after you play or exercise. Warming up revs up your cardiovascular system and prepares your muscles for movement, while cooling down brings your heart rate back to a safe, gradual pace. This helps avoid muscle soreness, fatigue, and injury.
5.) Get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy diet.
You need both to help avoid injuries and maintain the strength and endurance your body requires to stay physically active.
Get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Likewise, make sure you include fruits and vegetables as well as protein-rich foods with monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats (good fats) in your balanced diet. Examples include fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines), olives, nuts, avocados, and peanut butter.
6.) Stay hydrated.
Athletic people tend to need more than the standard eight, eight ounces of water per day. If it’s a hot day, drink before you become thirsty, and drink at least two cups before exercise.
Water is sufficient, but sports drinks can also be helpful if you are exercising for prolonged periods of time.
7.) Stay active all year round.
According to research, the body begins to regress after a period of 72 to 96 hours of inactivity. So, to stay fit, even in the off-season of your particular sport, exercise regularly.
Sports Medicine Doctor in Farmington Hills, Michigan
Dr. Lennox offers a wide range of treatment options for all types of injuries sustained by athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone who engages in physical activity. He also takes pleasure in setting aside his time in providing patients with useful information to help them always stay on top of their game and unlock their full potential.
To see Dr. Lennox, call our staff today at (248) 474-5575 or use this convenient form, and we will get in touch with you promptly to confirm your appointment.
