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Tips for Your Favorite Activities
Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy activities like running, hiking, and swimming. Moving your body is great for your health! But sometimes, fun activities can lead to aches and pains. The good news is that many common summer sports injuries can be avoided. As physical therapists, we want to help you stay active and safe. Studies show that programs to prevent injuries really can work. Taking a few simple steps before, during, and after your activities can make a big difference. Before You Go: Warm Up Your Body Think of a warm-up as a gentle wake-up call for your muscles. It gets your blood flowing and prepares your body for more activity. This can help lower your chances of getting hurt. ● For Running & Hiking: ○ Start with 5-10 minutes of light cardio, like brisk walking or jogging in place. ○ Try some dynamic stretches - these are stretches where you move: ■ Leg Swings: Hold onto something stable and gently swing one leg forward and back (10 times), then side to side (10 times). Repeat with the other leg. ■ Arm Circles: Make big circles with your arms forward (10 times) and then backward (10 times). ■ Walking Lunges: Step forward into a lunge, keeping your front knee over your ankle. Alternate legs for 10-12 lunges. ● For Swimming: ○ Begin with a few minutes of easy swimming at a slow pace. ○ Do some gentle arm and leg movements in the water or on the pool deck: ■ Arm Swings: Similar to above, swing your arms forward and backward. ■ Shoulder Rolls: Roll your shoulders up, back, and down (10 times). Smart Moves to Avoid Common Injuries Each activity has its own set of common issues. Here’s how to protect yourself: ● Running: ○ Common Issues: Runner's knee, shin splints, and ankle sprains. ○ Stay Safe: ■ Wear good running shoes that fit well and replace them when they wear out. ■ Increase your running distance and speed slowly. Don't do too much, too soon. ■ Run on softer surfaces when possible. ● Hiking: ○ Common Issues: Ankle sprains, blisters, and knee pain. ○ Stay Safe: ■ Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support. ■ Use hiking poles, especially on uneven ground, to help with balance. ■ Pay attention to the trail and where you are stepping. ■ Drink plenty of water, especially on hot days. ● Swimming: ○ Common Issues: Swimmer's shoulder and neck pain. ○ Stay Safe: ■ Focus on good swimming form. If you’re unsure, a lesson could help. ■ Don’t overdo it with training equipment like hand paddles too soon. ■ Listen to your body. If your shoulder or neck hurts, take a break. After Your Activity: Cool Down and Recover Just like a warm-up, a cool-down helps your body. It allows your heart rate to return to normal slowly and can help reduce muscle soreness. ● Cool Down (All Activities): ○ Finish with 5-10 minutes of slower activity. For example, walk after a run or hike, or do some very easy swimming. ● Recovery Tips: ○ Gentle Stretching: Hold stretches for 20-30 seconds. Focus on the muscles you used. For example, stretch your hamstrings (back of thighs), quadriceps (front of thighs), and calves after running or hiking. For swimming, stretch your shoulders and chest. ○ Hydrate: Drink water to replace fluids you lost while sweating. ○ Eat Well: Have a balanced snack or meal with some protein and carbohydrates to help your muscles recover. ○ Rest: Make sure you get enough sleep. This is when your body does a lot of its repair work. ○ Listen to Your Body: If something feels wrong or you have pain that doesn't go away, don't ignore it. Enjoy your summer activities! Take these simple steps to help keep yourself injury-free and feeling your best. If you do experience pain or an injury, remember that physical therapy can help you get back to doing what you love. Contact us to learn more. References: Research: 1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7353668/ 2. https://meridian.allenpress.com/jcep/article/10/3/106/470461/Effects-of-Stretching-on-Injury-RiskReduction-and 3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254620301526 Articles and Content: ● https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/sports-injuries-emotions-how-physical-therapists-can-helpwith-both-plus-tips-athletes ● https://www.choosept.com/why-physical-therapy/specialty-areas-physical-therapy/sportsphysical-therapy ● https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/5-tips-improve-your-swimming-stroke-avoid-injury ● https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/healthy-running-advice-physical-therapists ● https://www.asics.com/nz/en-nz/blog/article/how-to-warm-up-beforerunning?srsltid=AfmBOor2krvZPVIXshxbpaWYA-pRHncP4NUfKooGF4wy_8LYmW9cXB3x ● https://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-recovery
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Physical therapists don't just work in the clinic. Some play a key role in ergonomics - the science of designing or arranging workspaces, tools, and tasks to fit the person using them. The goal is to reduce strain, discomfort, and injury while improving comfort and efficiency. For jobs like manufacturing, healthcare, or retail, PTs assess tasks like lifting, standing for long periods, or repetitive motions, then recommend adjustments to reduce strain and injury risk. This may include proper body mechanics training, workstation modifications, or tools to minimize physical stress. PTs also design strengthening and flexibility programs tailored to the demands of the job, helping workers stay pain-free and productive. One of the most common tasks at work that causes pain? Working at a desk all day - whether at home or in the office. Poor posture, repetitive movements, and an improperly set-up workstation can lead to aches, pains, and even long-term injuries. The good news? Physical therapists (PTs) can help you prevent discomfort and create a workspace that supports your body. The Problem: Poor Posture and Workplace Strain Sitting for long hours, slouching, or reaching awkwardly for your keyboard or mouse can cause:
If you work at a desk all day, here are some tips you can try to prevent or reduce aches and pains: Move Regularly Prolonged sitting can result in poor circulation to joints and muscles, create an imbalance in strength and flexibility, and lead to muscle strain. Frequent, short breaks can go a long way towards preventing these issues.
Set Up Your Workspace to Minimize Strain Setting up your office for your body and the work you do will help you maintain a good posture and keep you more comfortable. Here are some guidelines:
When to See a Physical Therapist If you’re dealing with persistent pain or want to prevent future issues, our PTs can help. They’ll assess your posture, workstation, and movement patterns to create a plan tailored to your needs. Ready to Feel Better at Work? Contact us today for an evaluation and start working - and living - without pain! References: Research:
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