Fitness
Get back in shape
Treatment and rehabilitation are quite costly. Unless you're a moneyed pro, how can the average athlete or weekend warrior avail of the treatment?
"The reason why it's expensive," explains Dr. Canlas. "is that we want these players to get to a premium right away. This is their livelihood." He advises to those without the means for proper strength and conditioning that simple knowledge of plyometrics can help them get better and stronger. "It is achievable but it takes somewhat longer," says Dr. Canlas. "Any weight training or workout program should be done or at the very least consulted with educated and licensed trainers."
To put it bluntly and brutally frank, there isn't much you can do about sports injuries. We can merely react to them and treat them.
But there are two ways that you can minimize the risk:
- Stretch. Do it before and after every sporting activity.
- Pace yourself according to skill level. Don't rush things. As you get better, you'll notice how gradually your body adjusts to new levels of difficulty.
Writing this has been a catharsis of sorts. I have mustered the courage to overcome my fear of doctors and needles to actually seek treatment for my aching knees and feet. Now I'm convinced of getting back into competitive shape and being pain-free. Basically, it's about staying healthy and being careful with one's body. After all, what's life without sports?
If you find yourself in a similar situation, hopefully, you'll feel the same way, too. And who knows? It just might not be too late to take one last stab at those hoop dreams.
More Suggestions for Sports Survival:
- Don't be a weekend warrior. Avoid doing a week's worth of activity in a day or two.
- Learn to play your sport right. Use proper form to reduce your risk of "overuse injuries."
- Use safety gear.
- Know your body's limits.
- Build up your exercise level gradually.
- Strive for a total body workout of cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
What To Do If You Get Injured
Never try to "play through" the pain of a sports injury. Immediately stop when you feel pain. Continuing to play may aggravate the injury. Some injuries require immediate medical attention, while you can treat others by yourself.
Seek medical attention when:
- The injury causes severe pain, swelling, or numbness.
- You can't put any weight on that area.
- An old injury hurts, aches, or swells.
- A joint doesn't feel normal or stable.
If you don't have any of these signs, it may be safe to treat the injury at home using the RICE:
R - Rest
I - Ice
C - Compression
E - Elevation
» Fitness archive
Men's Health Philippines - July 2006 Issue
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