Avoid Injuries While Swimming

Many of you are continuing to embrace the advantages of being outside during these days of summer, and a number of these outdoor activities are related to sports and recreation. That includes swimming, which of course can be enjoyed at any time during the year. However, it still presents unique benefits that can persuade you to dive into the water more frequently when the temperatures entice you to venture outside.

The Benefits Of Swimming

Foremost on the list of benefits that are associated with swimming is the outstanding opportunity to cool off amid the sometimes formidable summer heat. It also qualifies as a very effective cardio workout that still manages to avoid stressing your muscles and joints. This is an advantage that many other forms of exercise cannot provide.

Each stroke also enables you to strengthen your body due to the resistance of the water while you progress through your strokes. This makes it an effective exercise for your core, your arms, and your glutes. It can also be very soothing for the back without causing any issues in that area.

It is also an excellent exercise for anyone who experiences arthritis. Once again this is partially due to the fact that swimming does not create problems for your joints. If you have diabetes, swimming can also burn calories and reduce weight thanks to the aerobic oriented benefits of this exercise.

Swimming also delivers a boost to your mental health by releasing endorphins and decreasing your stress level. This improves your overall outlook and makes it less likely that you will contend with anxiety or depression.  

Also, anyone who is pregnant will have the added advantage of being able to continue swimming throughout the pregnancy. However, the caveat to that aspect of swimming is that it is important if you’re pregnant to make sure that the water temperature is not overly hot or cold.

As you and your family experience the benefits of exercise and good health that is received from making swimming one of your activities, it is important to make sure that you follow basic steps to remain safe while you are in the water. Particularly during the summer months when you might be using unfamiliar outdoor pools.

Safety Tips When Swimming

First, if you are not fully alert due to a lack of sleep, or the consumption of alcohol, then you should not be swimming. Not only will your judgment be impaired, but your ability to swim will be diminished even if you do not believe that it will be. It will also be more difficult for you to remain warm if this is the case.

if you are not an experienced, then you should wear a lifejacket before you enter the water. Even if you are a knowledgeable and confident swimmer, then you should still avoid swimming alone without the availability of a lifeguard.

If you are swimming in a river or lake, then you should avoid undercurrents or other elements that are hazardous to your safety. It is also wise to avoid swimming in a river or lake after a storm has passed because the water could rise or flooding could ensue due to changes in the currents.

Absolutely do not remain in the water if a storm is imminent or is already occurring. This is extremely dangerous since water conducts electricity. 

You should always have a plan for any sudden emergencies that include the resources to contact medical personnel if you are swimming away from other people. This will become beneficial if you were to suddenly encounter any serious injuries such as dislocations, fractures, concussions, or sprains.  

Safety Tips When Diving

Diving incidents are responsible for over 1,800 injuries to the spinal cord each year. There are steps that you can take to reduce the possibility that you or someone in your family will encounter a similar issue.

First, you should never dive into shallow water. It is also wise to avoid diving into cloudy water because it is important for you to see the bottom of the area where you will be diving.

You should also make sure that all diving occurs by jumping from the end of the board. You should not bounce repeatedly on the board, or run quickly off the board. Finally, you should swim further away from the location of your dive once that it has been completed. This will decrease the chances of having another diver make contact with you.

Common Injuries From Swimming Frequently

If you follow the basic precautions that were discussed, then you should be able to avoid an emergency situation. If your summertime swimming evolves into a regular exercise regimen, then there is always the potential for you to eventually develop any one of several conditions that can occur as the result of repetitive movement.

Pain from frequent swimming can take place over in the neck, the bicep, or the shoulder. Among the shoulder conditions that can develop are tendonitis, inflammation, impingement, and an issue that is referred to as a swimmer’s shoulder. This is a term for a group of issues that can develop in the shoulder from overuse.

If you are concerned that you may be experiencing a condition that has emerged from swimming repeatedly, or if you are dealing with pain, a reduction in your mobility, stiffness, swelling, or your weakness in your muscle,  then you should consult with a doctor. 

Any attempt to ignore the discomfort or stiffness by continuing to exercise frequently could intensify the problem.  If you are dealing with any of the symptoms that were discussed and choose to visit a physician, then a thorough examination will be conducted in order to determine the source of your issue.  

At Orthopedic Associates, We Are Here To Help

At Orthopedic Associates, we want you to enjoy your daily activities. That includes involvement with any type of sports or recreation that you prefer such as swimming. If you encounter discomfort or have a concern about anything that might keep you from being involved in physical activity, we are here to assist you. Because it is our goal that you will return to pain-free participation in the activities and lifestyle that you enjoy. 

That is why Orthopedic Associates offers a full spectrum of musculoskeletal care, along with in-house physical sports therapy, and state-of-the-art-technology including our digital imaging and open MRI, and an on-site surgical center for more patient convenience.

Our board-certified doctors have been practicing medicine for a combined total of 183 years. This includes expertise in sports medicine, through which our physicians provide personalized care for a broad range of sports-related injuries – big or small.

In addition to the services that we provide that are related to Sports Medicine and In-House Imaging, our physicians are always available to utilize their knowledge should you require joint replacement or arthroscopic surgery. Our specialists are also here to assist with physical therapy, rehabilitation, and orthopedic trauma.

We encourage you to visit one of our Orthopedic Associates two locations or request an appointment today to be on your way to feeling better.