Baseball season has arrived and is now well underway! Whether you root for the Cubbies or the Chisox, or are a player yourself, this is an exciting time for players to get back on the field, it’s essential to know how to stay injury-free this season. With so much strain put on their body, baseball players are highly susceptible to overuse injuries in the elbow, shoulder, and lower limbs. If you’re looking to stay injury-free this baseball season, our team at Free Body Physical Therapy is here to help. Continue reading to learn some effective ways you can help yourself prevent baseball injuries all season long.
Preventing Baseball Injuries
Baseball players will be ramping up their training this season, which means there is a risk of overuse injuries. Some may push themselves too hard, and while some pain and soreness is good for the body, too much can be a sign of something serious. Overuse injuries are caused by prolonged, repeated impact, which can cause the muscles, bones, or joints to become inflamed. Athletes often place a strong emphasis on performance rather than promoting health preservation through a baseball season. To avoid injuries this season, there should be a component of injury prevention and movement training in place for each athlete and the team. Here are some tips to help protect yourself from injuries so you can stay out on the field this season:
- Perform Strength and Conditioning Exercises
Incorporating these exercises into your routine both during the season and the off-season can improve your performance and is one of the best ways to prevent injuries. One of the most important aspects of your conditioning routine is stretching. Your training should also target different areas of your body based on your position. When targeted to meet the demands of your position, strengthening exercises will be more effective. Our team will work with you to determine which exercises are best for you to help you achieve optimal performance.
- Don’t Forget to Warm Up
Warming up before practice or a game is another way to prevent injuries. No matter what level you play at, your workout regimen should include a warm-up and cool-down period to increase the heart rate and keep muscles flexible. You can try jogging lightly or do jumping jacks to get the blood flowing and incorporate a few stretches.
- Wear the Right Equipment
As a baseball player, wearing the right equipment is crucial during a game. You should be wearing properly fitted cleats and wear a helmet when you’re up to bat. All of the gear you wear should fit correctly to be most effective in preventing injuries.
- Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can seriously hurt your athletic performance. Staying hydrated can help you prevent muscle cramps and fatigue, especially in the warm summer months. Without enough fluids, your body won’t be able to cool itself effectively. Remember to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
Physical Therapy for Baseball Players
Few things can be more upsetting than having a season cut short due to an injury. At Free Body Physical Therapy, we are here to help you during the season. Our team will help you play an active role in injury prevention so you can continue to work towards the goals that you’ve spent hours on training. If you suffer an injury, our team will work with you to help you get back to competing. With physical therapy sessions, you can increase your chances of making a speedy recovery. Some of the benefits of using sports rehabilitation can include the following:
- Improved strength and range of motion.
- Improved athletic performance.
- Reduced pain.
- Quick recovery time.
Contact Free Body Physical Therapy in Chicago, IL
If you’re looking to prevent injuries this baseball season, our team at Free Body Physical Therapy is here to help. Our team will evaluate your unique needs and develop a routine to help you remain injury-free all season long. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!