If you’re involved in any form of contact support then preventing injury is something that should be a top priority for you. When you participate in sports, being as ready for the field as possible is desirable. However, injuries can keep you away from your favorite sport for a very long time.
Naturally, you want to avoid this. There are some of the major things you should bear in mind when playing contact sports as this can help reduce the chances of injury.
Understand Common Injuries
Every contact sport is different but there are some common injuries that are often found in specific sports. Understand the nature of the sport you are playing and how your body makes contact with someone else’s.
You can then look at ways in which you can think smartly on your feet to reduce the chances that you are going to have serious physical contact that can cause injury. Make sure that you always have safety at the forefront of your thoughts. However, do not let it become so overwhelming that you forget to enjoy your sport.
Proper Warm-up and Stretching
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent injuries is to engage in a thorough warm-up and stretching routine before you start playing. When you warm up it’s going to increase the blood flow to your muscles and improve your flexibility as well. You can definitely increase your range of motion this way too.
This is going to help to prevent strains and sprains. You can try dynamic stretching such as arm circles, leg swings as these are very effective for helping you to enjoy contact sports.
Joint Health
If you have previously suffered from joint injuries or experience chronic pain then this is something you need to take precautionary measures to control. When you play contact sports you are putting repetitive stress on these areas of your body.
If you have had problems with them in the past it is best to visit a doctor who specializes in rheumatology as they can tailor a program to help you manage inflammation in your joints. They can also recommend exercises that will protect your vulnerable joints without limiting your athletic performance in any way.
Proper Nutrition
On the surface, it may not seem as if this is not important but good nutrition also plays a critical role in keeping your body resilient to injuries. Make sure that you are hydrating yourself to keep your muscles functioning well. Dehydration can cause you to be more susceptible to muscle tears and cramps.
Ensuring that you are eating foods with an adequate amount of protein, healthy fats and vitamins, like vitamin D and calcium can help to strengthen your bones and tissues which helps to prevent injury.
When it comes to playing contact sports the risk of injury is always imminent. This is why you always need to be ready to prevent them. Once you take the necessary precautions you will limit the number of injuries experienced.
