We all know that exercise is good for us, but there is always the risk of injury, regardless of what sport or activity you’re undertaking.
One doctor has been offering some advice on how to avoid injuries, particularly as you get older and potentially get caught up in the excitement of trying a new sport.
Writing for the Irish Examiner, Dr Phil Kieransaid that he’s increasingly seeing young, fit men and women in his surgery who are suffering from an injury as a result of a new activity they’ve taken up.
He stressed that the best ways to avoid injuries are to listen to your body and make sure you plan rest days into your routine.
“The body accumulates micro injuries during training which it then adapts to overcome (thereby getting fitter/stronger),” Dr Kieran explained. However, he added: “If it isn’t given a chance to repair these injuries you’re asking for trouble.” This is why rest days are so important.
He also recommends doing some research on any new activity you’re getting involved in. Where possible, his advice is to join a club because this will not only help you stay motivated, but will also allow you to tap into the wisdom of people who have been doing this particular activity for years.
All of this can help you avoid injuries, because training together will likely push you enough to feel the benefits but not so far that you’re injured.
Of course, there is still a chance that you will suffer an injury, but if you feel as though your body is struggling with anything, it’s sensible to make an appointment with an osteopath in Manchester as soon as possible.
It’s also worth thinking about your diet when you start exercising more – take a look at our blog about the best foods to eat to help reduce inflammation within the body. Dark green vegetables and fish can be particularly helpful.
And you can also prehab your body (like rehab only before you injure!). Have a look at the repatterining work our rehab / prehab partners can do.
