A few tips to get your body ready for a great spring season of activity!
After a seemingly never-ending winter and chilly, rainy spring, the golf courses and tennis courts in Westchester County are now in full swing! While many people will dive right into the sports and activities that the warmer weather brings, it’s important to remember to ease in to avoid the risk of injury. Orthopedic specialist and avid golfer and tennis player Dr. Paul Fragner of White Plains Hospital Physician Associates - Orthopedic Specialists shares some tips to help get your game on safely this spring.
Get a Spring Check-Up. Spring is a great time to see your primary care doctor for a yearly check-up to assess overall fitness. “Especially before beginning any kind of new training program, it’s always a good idea to get a baseline,” says Dr. Fragner. “Routine screenings including blood pressure, weight and body mass index (BMI), and basic blood work can provide a good indication that the body is healthy enough to begin or ramp up exercise.”
Prevent Overuse. Golf swings are one-sided and over time can create imbalances of muscle strength, leading to overuse. Exercises to strengthen the elbow and shoulder can help prevent injuries. For tennis players, wearing a tennis elbow brace and doing specific exercises to improve forearm muscle strength will reduce the risk of tennis elbow.
Care for the Core. Many experts, including Dr. Fragner, believe core strength is the key to warding off sports-related injuries in most parts of the body. “Dedicating about 20 minutes a few times a week to strengthening the core will provide a foundation for overall fitness, and help prepare you for activities involving repetitive motion,” he says. “Even back, knee, foot and ankle issues originate in the hips, so it pays to keep your core strong.”