Spring into Action ... Prevention!
Spring has finally arrived and it has been welcomed with open arms by most of us. With the warm weather, people who have been dormant for most of the cold winter days, look forward to spending time outside, whether it is playing sports or enjoying hobbies such as gardening. However, as innocent as it sounds, this may lead to unexpected injuries if you are deconditioned or physically unhealthy.
There are numerous factors that may predispose one to unwanted injuries early in the summer season. A common factor is not fully recovering from any (what might seem minor) past or lingering injuries. Research shows that if the human body is not physiologically healthy and unwanted stress and strain is being put upon it, then injury will occur (1).
Athletes and active adults are prone to certain injuries – depending on the stress put upon one’s body during activity. Golfers generally experience elbow or low back injuries. Gardeners are prone to hip and knee injuries. As a physiotherapist, I commonly see abnormal motor patterns that may be caused by muscle weakness, muscle inhibition (muscle fibers not firing properly), scar tissue or pain from a previous injury. For example, runners frequently suffer from chronic hamstring strains that may not be properly addressed. Typically, the underlying problem is due to a muscle imbalance between the over dominant hamstring and weaker gluteus muscles causing the hamstring to work extra hard, predisposing it to strain. Other factors that may lead to early injury in the season include developing bad habits such as not stretching, improper (or lack thereof) warm up and cool downs. Also, some people adapt the weekend warrior syndrome and do too much activity too soon.
Injury is unnecessary. Prevention is key. Without proper care and healing, complications can arise. At SEMI, we have a variety of options such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, naturopathy and podiatry that will meet your specific needs and assist you in safely returning to your summer sports or activities. Give us a call at our clinic and book an appointment to make sure you enjoy this summer season injury free!
Reference:
- Garrett W., Postgrad Med. 1983 Mar; 73(3): 200-9
Table Of Contents
- EREPORTS
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Active Release Technique
- Acupuncture and You!
- An Introduction to the Sacro-iliac Joint
- An Introduction to Viscero Somatic Pain Referral
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
- Assessing Your Mental Game
- Back Pain - Courtesy of the Iliopsoas Muscle
- Biodex
- Bunions
- Choosing the Right Shoe
- Chronic Proximal Hamstring Pain in a Runner
- Golfer's Back
- Groin Strain
- Hamstring Strains
- Heat Alert! Exercise and Hyperthermia
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Intravenous Nutrition
- Is Acupuncture for You?
- Is Your Computer Hurting you?
- Knees - Your Friend or Foe?
- Leg Pain in Runners
- Low Back Pain and the Core Stabilizers
- Meniscus Tears
- Overtraining Syndrome
- Patellofemoral Paim Syndrome
- Pilates
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
- Plyometrics in Rehabilitation
- Predictable and Unpredictable Pain
- Q & A for the Injured Athlete
- Running Too Much? How to Stay Injury-Free as Race Day Approaches
- Shockwave Therapy
- Shoulder Instabilities Dislocations
- Shoulder Tendonitis
- Skier's Thumb
- Snowboarding Injuries
- Spring into Action ... Prevention!
- Stretching
- Tennis Elbow
- The Bothersome Hammertoe
- The Female Athlete Triad
- The No-Crave Diet
- The Thoracic Spine
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- When It Comes to Orthotics, First Impressions Count
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank you and your staff for their dedication and professionalism. Six months ago I started experiencing chronic pain in my left knee and calf. After numerous tests my family doctor was not sure as to what was causing this ongoing problem. Through a friend, I was referred to you. The sports medicine Doctor diagnosed my problem as a torn meniscus with some degeneration of the cartlilage in my knee. The MRI that the Doctor arranged, in turn supported this. He suggested that physiotherapy would help before we entertained anything more invasive. My physiotherapist worked with me for several months and today I am pain free. Once again I say "Thank You". I believe my progress and its success is due entirely to the staff at Toronto SEMI.
