Memorial Day is almost here. That means the official start of summer. Kids are out of school. People all over the New Orleans Metro area are spending more time outside and inside playing sports like baseball, tennis, and even kickball. Staying active and playing sports is considered by many healthcare professionals, including LA Health Solutions, to be a staple of any healthy lifestyle. However, it does not come without risks, including sports related injuries.
According to a report published by the CDC, recreational activities, including organized sports, account for a yearly estimated 3.2 million emergency room visits for children between the ages of 5-14. The high amount of sports related injuries occurs in this particular age group partly due to the fact that many children are not fully aware of the potential risks associated with the games being played and tend to have less coordination than most adults.
Children are not the only ones with high risks for sports related injuries. Adults, especially older adults, who are considered to be “out of practice” for a certain sport or begin a new workout regimen they may not be accustomed to, have an increased chance for a sports related injury and consequently, physical therapy.
The CDC estimates that half of all sports related injuries can be prevented. Here are some ways to prevent a sports injury:
- Consult a physician before beginning any new team sport/exercise regiment, especially young children and older adults with chronic disease or illnesses
- Always stretch and warm up before beginning any activity
- Make sure the playing fields/environments are safe and well-maintained
- Always make sure an experienced coach or supervisor is on-hand to enforce the rules of any game being played
- Make sure everyone is wearing the right equipment for whatever sport they’re playing
- Never “play through the pain”
If in the unfortunate event you are injured while playing a sport or any other activity, contact the expert physical therapists at LA Health Solutions. Our highly-qualified therapists work one-on-one with you to provide the exact rehabilitation and care you need to get you back on the playing field.