7 Ways To Avoid Sports Injuries
Playing Sports is fun; Getting Hurt is Not. Here are 7 ways any sports team at any level of play can help prevent the risk of sports related injuries.
When it comes to athlete safety, there is no foolproof way to avoid getting injured, but there are many things you can do to minimize the injury-risk. And surprisingly, many of these precautions aren’t that difficult to put into place. Below are 7 ways you can help prevent injuries so athletes stay in the game.
7. Schedule A Physical Before The Big Game
Sometimes our body has weaknesses and vulnerabilities that we just can’t see, or even feel. That is where a visit to the doctor before a major game can pinpoint any possible preexisting trouble areas before heading to the field or court.
6. Make Sure You Have Protective Equipment
This should be obvious—but it is just as important to have the correct protective equipment. Make sure you have the correct equipment for the correct sport – meaning don’t substitute your baseball cleats for the football field. Additionally, equipment should fit properly. Talk you you coaches to make sure your equipment is fitted to you and meets best standards.
5. Get Enough Rest
Proper rest—for both mind and body—is key not only to acing your game, but for making sure you do not make a mistake that could land you on the injured list. Insufficient sleep can create a slowing down of your reflexes, which can lead to devastating accidents.
4. Receive Proper Hydration
Sometimes in the heat of competition, we fail to remember to take water breaks. Avoid cramps and bring your best self to the game by making sure to schedule time to drink water and stay properly hydrated, cutting down on your risk of injury and discomfort.
3. Stretch!
No matter what your sport, warming up with some pre-game stretches are going to be so crucial in keeping your body limber and in-shape. And don’t forget to do some after-game stretches and other “cool down” methods to give your body time to recover.
2. Maintain Proper Nutrition
The time to eat right is not the day before the game, but weeks beforehand as part of a proper diet. Work with a sports nutritionist to determine just what that diet should consist of, and make sure you stick with it as part of your regular routine.
1. Follow The Rules
The rules of the game are not just there to make the sport more challenging and exciting—but properly followed, they should ensure less accidents and injuries on the field. When everyone follows the game rules at the same time, the risk of injury significantly decreases.
What do you think of our tips for preventing sports injuries? Can you think of any others we might have missed? Make sure to comment below other tips you have for avoiding sports injuries.
Interested in new and emerging ways to prevent head injuries? Download our Information Booklet below to learn how Athlete Intelligence is revolutionizing head-health safety.