Stay Safe and Have Fun in the Sun

With the warm weather comes increased outdoor activities, such as swimming, running, gardening, hiking, camping, and playing sports outside. While these are great ways to exercise and get outside, these activities can also lead to an increased risk of injury if proper safety measures are not taken.
Physical therapy can play an important role in helping people recover from summertime injuries, and our physical therapists are trained to treat a vast variety of conditions and help patients return to their normal activities as quickly as possible.  
Read on to learn more about common summertime injuries and how they can be prevented.


Sunburns
Sunburns are one of the most common summertime injuries. They occur when skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun without proper protection. The best way to prevent sunburns is by wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day and reapplying it every two hours when outdoors.  Also, try to stay out of the sun during peak heat hours and wear protective clothing (such as hats and sunglasses) when outside for extended periods of time. 

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough fluids or electrolytes, due to excessive sweating or inadequate fluid intake. To prevent dehydration, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Aim for 8-10 glasses per day depending on your activity level. Additionally, avoid drinks with high sugar content like soda or energy drinks, which can cause further dehydration due to their diuretic effect on the body.

Sprains & Strains

Sprains occur when the ligaments that connect bones together are stretched beyond their normal range of motion, while strains occur when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn due to excessive force placed on them during physical activity. To prevent sprains and strains, make sure you stretch properly before any physical activity, wear supportive footwear, avoid running on uneven surfaces, take frequent breaks while exercising, and listen to your body’s warning signs if something doesn’t feel right.
Physical therapists can help treat sprains and strains through manual therapies, such as massage, joint mobilization, stretching and strengthening exercises, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, ice/heat treatments, and more. These methods all help reduce inflammation and pain while also restoring mobility and strength.

Fractures

Fractures occur due to excessive force placed upon the affected area. To prevent fractures, make sure you wear protective gear (such as helmets and pads) while playing contact sports, and practice safe habits while exercising on uneven terrain (such as the beach). Additionally, make sure you get enough calcium in your diet by eating foods with high calcium contents, such as dairy products and leafy greens.
Physical therapists can help treat fractures through immobilization techniques followed by progressive strengthening exercises designed specifically for each patient’s needs. Physical therapists also use modalities like electrical stimulation and ultrasound, which help reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing.

Schedule an Appointment Today

At Blue Wave Physical Therapy & Wellness, we understand how important it is for our patients to stay safe during the summer, so they can enjoy all that this season has to offer without worrying about injuries. If injuries do occur, our experienced team is here to provide comprehensive care tailored specifically towards each individual client's needs.