Woman who hurt her elbow while playing tennis

Summer Heat Brings Surge in Sports Injuries

As the weather gets warmer, Hendrick Urgent Care treats sports injuries in greater numbers. It’s a predictable trend given that as the temperature goes up, people head outside to enjoy the fresh air and start their exercise routines again. But before you put those running shoes on or get ready to lift some weights, it’s important to make sure you’re following some simple guidelines to minimize the risk of injury that may come from throwing yourself into your workout too quickly. Here are a few helpful tips to help you avoid injuries while exercising.

Stay Safe With Hendrick Urgent Care’s Tips to Avoid Injuries While Exercising!

  1. Always be sure to warm up and cool down. This is especially true if you enjoy intense workouts, because with serious exercise comes the chance of injury. A warmup with stretches and a gradual cool-down will help your heart rate decrease slowly and prevent muscle stiffness.
  2. Check your technique. Whether you’re about to lift weights or do some yoga, making sure you have the right posture and balance will keep your body properly oriented. Using an incorrect technique not only reduces the effectiveness of the workout but could also lead to you straining a muscle.
  3. Take your time building up. If it’s been a couple of months since you’ve been able to do your usual routine, don’t try to pick up where you left off. To avoid injuries while exercising, slowly work your way back up to that level to give your body time to adjust. If you rush in too quickly and push yourself too hard, you may end up at Hendrick Urgent Care for a sprain.
  4. Listen to your body. It’ll let you know if you’re pushing yourself too hard. If you start feeling discomfort, fatigue, or persistent pain, it’s best to listen to these things and take a break or slow down. It may start out as nothing serious, but if you continue to push yourself when you’re feeling that way, you can cause yourself a serious injury.

Get Fast Relief and Expert Injury Care

These tips can help you to avoid injuries while exercising. But, if you do happen to hurt yourself, visit us at Hendrick Urgent Care. Not only do we treat sprains and strains, we also provide X-rays, treat cuts and lacerations, sunburns, rashes, and more. You can check-in online to save your spot in line ahead of time, and if you need specialized treatment, we’ll utilize our referral program for quick access to care. To learn more about us, or to schedule a virtual visit online, visit our website.