I played competitive volleyball until I was 18 years old. It was my life. Practice at 6 a.m., two-a-day workouts, summer conditioning, high-performance workshops, gearing up for scouts – I know first-hand how much of a toll sports can take on the body. Nothing is worse than watching your favorite game from the sidelines while you are icing a sprain or resting your shoulder in a splint.

How can we prevent sports injuries from happening?

Preventing sports injuries requires a comprehensive strategy that incorporates proactive and preventative measures during physical activity. Firstly, before beginning any physically demanding activity, athletes and coaches should prioritize appropriate warm-up routines. Repetitive strains can also be avoided by cross-training and switching up workout programs, which work different muscle groups and lessen the chance of overuse.

To lessen the impact of collisions or falls, athletes should also make sure they are wearing the proper protective equipment for their sport, such as helmets, pads or braces. To help athletes avoid overexertion on their joints and muscles, coaches should emphasize proper body mechanics and provide them regular feedback. Additionally, getting enough sleep and ample recovery time are crucial in the prevention of sports injuries.

Finally, to promote overall athlete well-being and lower the risk of sports-related injuries, coaches and trainers should prioritize the education of injury prevention techniques, such as appropriate nutrition, hydration and sleeping habits.

Here are five tips on how to prevent injury:

Emphasize the importance of a proper warmup and cool down

Before engaging in physical activity, it is essential to perform a dynamic warmup to prime the muscles, joints and cardiovascular system for action. Dynamic stretching increases blood flow to the muscles, elevates heart rate and body temperature, and activates the nervous system, all of which contribute to improved muscle performance and reduced risk of injury during physical activity. Similarly, a cool-down technique lowers the chance of injury and increases flexibility by progressively relaxing muscles and lowering heart rate after exercise. Static stretching – where you hold a particular position for up to 60 seconds – is especially beneficial post-exercise. This helps prevent soreness and maintain or improve flexibility.

Encourage cross-training

Engaging in a variety of exercises through cross-training helps prevent overuse injuries by distributing the workload across different muscle groups and movement patterns. By reducing repetitive strain on specific muscles and joints, athletes can maintain better overall physical health and decrease the risk of injuries associated with overuse. For example, swimming is an excellent activity for runners. The weightlessness water provides gives runners' joints a break. It also works the upper body, giving runners' leg muscles a breather. Cross-training allows athletes to address potential muscle imbalances and weaknesses by incorporating activities that target areas that may not be the primary focus of their sport.

Use of protective equipment

Proper protective equipment is crucial for injury prevention in sports. Helmets, pads and braces are just a few examples of gear that athletes can use to keep their body safe. According to Stanford Medicine Children's Health, more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger get hurt annually playing sports or participating in recreational activities. Furthermore, these activities contribute to approximately 21% of all traumatic brain injuries among American children. These statistics on youth sports injuries are proof that wearing protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Before the season starts, parents can talk to coaches about what gear is needed. Ensuring gear fits properly and is in good condition is essential for optimal protection for athletes of all ages.

Proper technique and form

One of the biggest ways to lower the risk of overuse injuries and strains in sports is to learn and practice proper form and technique for certain movements. For athletes to maintain correct mechanics, coaches and trainers are essential in providing guidance, advice and feedback. There are right and wrong ways to do things in every sport. Cutting corners will only hurt you – literally and figuratively. Practicing proper technique maximizes the efficiency and effectiveness of movements, leading to improved athletic performance.

Rest and recovery

This might be the most important tip in the prevention and care of athletic injuries. Preventing injuries requires allowing the body enough time to rest and recuperate in between workouts or competitive events. Fatigue, a weakened immune system and an increased risk of injury can result from overtraining. Incorporating rest days into training schedules, getting sufficient sleep, and paying attention to signs of fatigue or overuse are crucial aspects of injury prevention.

Prevent sports injuries with additional strategies

Along with these strategies, don't forget about proper nutrition, hydration and sleep.

• Proper nutrition provides athletes with the necessary fuel to perform optimally during training and competition. Carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source, supplying fuel for high-intensity activities, while proteins support muscle repair and growth.
• Adequate hydration is essential for regulating body temperature, maintaining electrolyte balance and supporting cardiovascular function during exercise. To stay properly hydrated, athletes should consume fluids before, during and after physical activity.
• Quality sleep is critical for athletic performance, recovery and overall health. During sleep, the body undergoes essential processes such as tissue repair, hormone regulation and memory consolidation. Adequate sleep duration and quality are associated with improved reaction time, decision-making, mood and immune function, all of which are important for athletic success.

Athletes, you know your body best. Listen to it, and take good care of it.