Summer is the perfect time for spending the day outdoors and engaging in various recreational activities. One of the favorite summer pastimes for many people is swimming. However, there are a variety of injuries that can result from this activity.
There are several ways in which these injuries can be prevented so you can avoid a trip to a chiropractor in Atlanta.
Swimmer’s Knee
With certain strokes in swimming, pain may develop on the inside of the knee. Usually this is the result of poor form, so correcting your problem to properly execute the kick is the first step to recovering from this issue. This area will often be swollen or tender following a swimming session.
Prevention of swimmer’s knee injury starts by ensuring that you are warming up and cooling down both before and after your workouts.
You should also be sure to change up your exercise routine. Use different strokes in order to avoid repetitive motions that can place added strain onto your knee.
Lower Back Injuries
Many swimmers who enjoy the butterfly stroke suffer from lower back pain. These occur when swimmers arch their backs while rising out of the water, as pressure is placed on the lumbar spine. Swimmers that experience this issue may complain of swelling, stiffness, and soreness in the lower back.
To prevent injuries to the lower back, stretch after each swim in order to keep your back flexible. You can also try certain exercises to try and strengthen the muscles of the back, including dead lifts and squats.
Neck Injuries
Swimming requires a high position of the head in order to keep it above water, and this can cause a variety of problems. Additionally, neck pain may be experienced if you need to make repetitive motions in turning your head to the side to breathe.
To prevent potential neck injuries, try exercises like shoulder rolls and neck extensions to strengthen the muscles.
Avoid over-extending when doing flip turns, and if necessary, practice your form repeatedly until you feel comfortable with it.