A sports injury can leave you sidelined for months and affect your future performance forever. It’s important to protect yourself when playing, both from short- and long-term injuries. There are key pieces of advice to put into practice. By sticking to the ones below, you can be confident you’ll perform well and won’t face the risk of hurting yourself.

Tips for Preventing a Sports Injury

1. Wear the Right Gear

No matter the sport, you need to always wear the right protective gear. For heavy-contact sports, always have a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and other applicable equipment specific to the sport, such as shin guards for soccer. If you need support in any of your joints, wear a brace, and always put on the preferred shoes. You’ll avoid cuts, broken bones, concussions, and more.

2. Stretch

Your body needs to warm up before you put the stresses of high-impact activities on it. Spend at least 10 minutes stretching before playing, and consider adding a few minutes of light cardio—such as jumping jacks or jogging in place—to loosen up further. It’s also important to stretch afterward to avoid a sports injury and so that you’ll feel better later on.

3. Hydrate

Sports injuries aren’t exclusive to contact. Heat- and dehydration-related health complications can also occur, which is why it’s important to drink plenty of water before and after. If you experience uncommon fatigue, vomiting, or lightheadedness, stop and drink plenty of water, as these are symptoms of dehydration.

The Chiropractic & Sports Injury Center of Cincinnati, OH, is committed to keeping athletes healthy and provide all the services needed to prevent and treat a sports injury. Their skilled staff has proudly served the area since 1988 and can address neck pain, back pain, and more. Call (513) 677-2200 today to schedule a consultation with a chiropractor. You can connect on Facebook for regular health tips and visit their website to explore their practice further.