Football players are prone to injuries due to the amount of contact and sudden movements involved in the sport. Some of the most common injuries football players suffer from include knee injuries, shoulder injuries, concussions, and overuse injuries. Although there are many things you can do to prevent injury, these are the top 5 tips we have for football players.
The first and most important tip to prevent injury is to get a pre-season physical. Physicals can help to monitor your overall health, check for any heart abnormalities, ensure there are no signs of concussion, and evaluate previous injury. It is important to tell your examiner any issues or concerns you have.
In the off season, it is important to focus on your goals for the upcoming season and the actions you will take to get there.
To prepare your body, you will want to do a variety of strengthening, stretching, and agility exercises. In addition to exercising, it is important to eat nutrient dense foods that will help you build muscle.
A good way to prepare your body for the off season is to get a personal trainer! Our personal trainers here in Nashville and Franklin, TN, have worked with many football players, and will customize your fitness program based on your goals and musculoskeletal condition.
Although this tip seems obvious, it is an important one. Did you know that dehydration can lead to cramping, sprains, tears, and even fractures? It is important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your practice or game. If you start to feel dizzy or disoriented, take a break and focus on getting hydrated.
If you are experiencing pain, especially related to a previous injury, you need to stop playing immediately and seek medical attention. Playing through your pain could result in further injury, making your healing process longer, and your season shorter.
Always stretch before and after your football game or practice. If you have any specific areas with tension, focus on stretching those areas more.
If you develop an injury, or you have an area of concern, seek help from a physical therapist. Our physical therapists will determine a treatment plan that is catered to your needs.
At MPOWER Physical therapy, we offer advanced tools to help you recover from your injury. Our anti-gravity treadmill allows you run without any strain on your muscles, making it a great option for athletes!
