Stay Safe This Summer

Swimming is a great way to stay fit and have fun at the same time. However, carelessness can cause shoulder, wrist, knee, foot, and ankle accidents. Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron offers these swimming injury prevention tips:

• Always take time to warm up and stretch. Research studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping jacks, stationary cycling, or running in place for 3 to 5 minutes. Then slowly and gently stretch, holding each stretch for 30 seconds.
• The most common swimming injury is shoulder pain due to repetitive motion. The best way to prevent this is with a general exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and upper back.
• Do not swim alone. Swim in supervised areas where lifeguards are present.
• Do not attempt to swim if you are too tired, too cold, or overheated.
• Be knowledgeable about first aid and be able to administer it for minor injuries, such as facial cuts, bruises, or minor tendonitis, strains, or sprains.
• Learn how to swim. Inexperienced swimmers should wear lifejackets at all times when in the water.

“It’s important to have a plan in place for emergency situations as well,” says Todd P. Murphy, sports medicine specialist at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron. “Keeping a close eye on your children will also ensure that everyone is safe in and around the water this year.”

If you or someone you know suffers a swimming injury this year, contact the experts at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron to help get on the road to recovery. Call (810) 985-4900 or visit us online by going to www.oaph.com.