Preventing Common Spring Sports Injuries
By Vic Goradia, MD
Soccer
Spring is a great time to get outside and enjoy playing in adult and youth soccer leagues. If you've been indoors all winter without much exercise then you may be more prone to injury. It is important to spend some time stretching, strengthening and practicing basic agilities prior to playing. On cold days in the early spring it is important to have a 10 minute warm-up period of light jogging and stretching.
Baseball & Softball
In addition to general stretching and strengthening, baseball and softball have higher risk of shoulder and elbow injuries. Your program should focus on shoulder flexibility as well as strengthening the rotator cuff and upper back muscles. When throwing, it is also important to recognize the role of your trunk and abdominal muscles. These areas help your generate force when throwing the ball. Every program for injury prevention should include core strengthening and flexibility.
For a list of recommended stretching and exercise or to learn more about Dr. Goradia please visit us at www.goOrtho.net or call us at 804-452-1635. |
