Muscle strains and tears can happen to anyone regardless of their level of physical activity. Although this is true, most muscles injuries do occur during high levels athletic play. Muscle tears occur when they are stretched beyond capacity leading to separation from the tendon. There are simple ways to prevent ever having to deal with this damage to your body.
A common place to experience a torn muscle is in the gym. Whether it’s lifting weights, running, or another exercise, the gym is a prime spot for uneducated fitness goers to hurt themselves. When weightlifting, everyone must know their strength and learn to take it slow. Lifting weight that is outside your capacity can quickly tear a muscle. Too much strain on the muscle from the weight can cause it to strain and if the exercise continues it tear more likely than not. As for running over long distances on the treadmill, the same idea stands. Knowing your limits and going at a sustainable pace will put the leg muscles at a much lower risk of injury.
Frequently seen on television, muscular injuries in sports occur very often. More likely than not, a player’s injury ensues after a quick burst of speed forcing the athlete to pull up and nurse their leg. Although these are professional athletes in most cases, they sometimes don’t take the appropriate steps to minimize the risk of straining or tearing a muscle. Even with the professional trainers they have to tend to their bodies, players often neglect taking part in a full compliment of stretching before a game. Before any prolonged physical activity all participants should take the time to stretch various parts of their legs, as well as any other muscle being used. The calves, quadriceps, and hamstrings are most important because they provide power to the top and bottom portions of the leg. Each stretch should last between ten and twenty seconds to ensure they are effective.
Before any physical activity, especially competitive sports, many athletes want to jump right in. Taking ten minutes to stretch before starting can go a long way in both performance and longevity of the muscles. Every athlete should learn the proper stretches and use them to the fullest to protect against injury.
We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don’t need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in Chester, Goshen, Monroe, Port Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in Armonk, Bedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona. If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County. Give us a call today!