Injury prevention is possible if you are prepared for your activity, both physically and mentally. Don't succumb to the weekend warrior syndrome by doing more than your training allows. Simply put, optimal performance requires preparation. This infomation not only applies to your sport, but to your life in general i.e. yardwork/housework.

Follow these basic tips:

• Wear and use proper gear for your sport, including helmets, pads, shoes, sunglasses, gloves and layered clothing where appropriate. This includes the proper footwear. Running shoes are not designed to provide the support you need on the tennis court.

.

• Warm up slowly before activity. This is especially important in sports that require quick, dynamic movements, such as basketball, and soccer.

• Always use good and proper posture. Yes, this even applies to the sports field/court.

• Listen to your body. Pain is a warning sign that something is not right. You should not work through pain, but stop or slow your activity until the pain subsides. Most pain should subside in hours to a few days. If it doesn't, seek help from the professionals. If it recurs, definitely seek help from the pros.

• Train for your sport. Forgive us for stating the obvious, but having yourself fit for participation is a major component of prevention and proper self care for life and sport.

The American Physical Therapy Association provides the following specific information on injury prevention:

For information about Shoulder Injury Prevention click on this link:
http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=20448

For ACL Injury Prevention information, click on this link:
http://www.moveforwardpt.com/consumer_tips/acl.html

If you suffer from pain, stiffness and difficulty doing the activites you need to do or even those you love to do, don't wait. Call today and get help from the experts at South Aiken Physical Therapy.

803 649 9797