Many people participate in sports as a recreational activity or hobby. As explained by the orthopedic doctors at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health, based in Honolulu, HI, each sport has risks that could lead to injuries, regardless of activity level. They understand the importance of injury prevention and have provided a few tips to help you stay safe and healthy.

Orthopedic Doctors on How to Prevent Sports Injuries

1. Give Yourself Rest

Injuries often occur when an athlete trains for a high number of consecutive days or attempts to play the sport while tired. Without rest, you could increase your risk of experiencing an overuse injury. Recovery days allow your muscles and connective tissue to repair. In addition, you should never play a sport while tired, as this can lead to misjudgment that results in a potential injury.

2. Warm Up & Stretch

Loose muscles tend to be much more flexible and, therefore, are far less likely to experience an injury. That’s why it’s important that you always warm up before playing an intensive sport, such as with stretching or starting the activity at a slower pace. You should also stretch whenever you are done playing, as this can increase your overall flexibility and prevent injuries in the future.

3. Wear Protective Gear

Finally, you should always wear the necessary protective gear to stay safe while playing your sport. Helmets, pads, mouth guards, and eyewear play a critical role in keeping you safe, especially while playing contact sports. Make sure all of your equipment fits you appropriately, as this will improve your safety.

Whether you’re a recreational athlete or part of a professional team, it’s important that you know how to prevent sports injuries. The orthopedic doctors at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health can help you recover from injuries, safely advance your training levels, and optimize your performance. To learn more about how these sports medicine experts can ensure your active lifestyle is safe and enjoyable, visit them online. You can also contact a staff member today by dialing (808) 521-IMUA with any questions.