Is Your Favorite Sport Putting You at Risk for Injury?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

05 Nov 2008 07:52 PM

Health experts (as well as government officials) are constantly trying to motivate people to get moving. They want couch potatoes to get up and walk, run, enroll in an aerobics class, join a bowling league, play tennis, etc. However, doctors are now saying that if the right precautions are not taken, the amateur sports that experts want people to participate in can have unexpected long-term health risks.

A new study conducted by a leading occupational therapist found that when leisure activities are not done properly they can have negative effects on the musculoskeletal system. According to the study, in the United States, musculoskeletal disorders and disease are the leading cause of disability, and are the cause of chronic conditions in 50 percent of all people 50 years and older. Researchers define musculoskeletal disorders as discomfort, pain or disease of the muscles, joints or soft tissues connecting the bones.

The study also found that the risk of injury is particularly high in sports where the body is held asymmetrically and repetitive movements are made. For example, ball sports (including golf, basketball, and tennis) feature a series of "unnatural movements" and when done improperly they can put too much stress on a person's body.

To prevent injury doctors recommend stretching to avoid long-term damage. What's more, if you play baseball, tennis, or golf, researchers suggests that you balance the asymmetrical activity by alternating the use of your right and left arms before, during and after the game, be it at home or at the office.

Interestingly, researchers also found another factor related to amateur sport injury is a person's mindset. Doctors found that a person who doesn't get enough rest prior to participating in a sport often increases his risk of injury. Researchers also noted that people should avoid stressing about their participation in amateur sports. If you find that you get anxious when you can't find time for the team each week or you constantly worry that your performance is negatively affecting the team, doctors say the stress can exacerbate a predisposition to chronic health problems.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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