No matter how much time and effort an athlete has spent training, the risk of sports-related injuries are always looming. After an injury has occurred, coming to Farmingdale Physical Therapy East can help get you back with your teammates and onto the field. We offer top-quality physical therapy in Farmingdale, NY which can be incorporated into your rehab plan. But what if you’re looking for ways to avoid injury altogether? The answer could be as simple as taking the time to warm-up and cool-down.
Why Warm-Up?
A proper warm-up is essential. Allowing yourself to undergo a thorough warm-up will increase the temperature and flexibility of the muscles, as well as increase the capabilities of the direct blood flow. This will prime your body to be in the optimal state for physical activity, which will hopefully reduce the risk of injury. Below is some great advice Farmingdale Physical Therapy East can offer in terms of warming up the body:
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The length of your warm-up period should be directly correlated to the intensity of the activity. A more grueling activity calls for a longer warm-up period.
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A perfect way to warm-up is by doing the activity you’re getting ready for but at a slower pace. If you’re going for a run, take a slow or brisk walk for a warm-up.
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Make sure every part of your body is engaged and moving to help support proper blood flow.
Cooling Down Is Just As Important
When you are driving down the street and are approaching a red light, you don’t wait until the last second to slam on the breaks, do you? This sudden stoppage of motion can be harmful to your vehicle. The same principle can be applied to your body. Much like a warm-up, the cool-down process is a crucial part of any physical activity. Because your heart rate and body temperature are in an increased state, stopping too abruptly can cause you to feel sick and in some severe cases even lead you to pass out. Tips to help avoid this and other potential injuries by going through a proper cool-down period are as follows:
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Take a brisk or slow walk after exercising. This should be done for about 5 minutes, or until your heart rate falls below 120 beats per minute.
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Performing a variety of stretches can also be beneficial. Be sure to hold each stretch for 10 to 30 seconds for an optimal cool-down.
Physical Therapy in Farmingdale, NY
At Farmingdale Physical Therapy East, our team understands that injuries can happen at any time. Should you find yourself in this position, we can offer you physical therapy in Farmingdale, NY, to get you off the sidelines and back in the game. However, injury prevention tools are always the best form of treatment, and that is why we want to give you the necessary information to get the most out of your athletic escapades in a safe manner. No matter your age or level of competition, taking the time to properly warm-up and cool-down can make all the difference. If you have suffered an injury, or want to learn more about the importance of an effective warm-up and cool-down, contact us today!