CAMBRIDGE, MA -- 06/20/08 --
Broken bones and sprains are sending active
people to the hospital in droves -- nearly 213,000 annually. According to a
recent report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the top three
outdoor activities resulting in injury are: snowboarding (26 percent),
sledding (11 percent), and hiking (6 percent).
For individuals injured while participating in one of these sports,
completing an integrated wellness program can significantly relieve the
pain associated with muscle, bone, and joint conditions according to Wellness
Professionals(TM), the leading musculoskeletal pain relief company.
Integrated wellness programs, like those offered from Wellness
Professionals(TM), combine education, exercise, supplements, and
professional treatment, resulting in musculoskeletal pain relief. Typical
programs range in duration and intensity based on the severity of injury
and the overall fitness level of the participant.
Snowboarding, the most injury-prone sport according to the CDC report, can
result in a number of musculoskeletal injuries. Rotator cuff strains and shoulder
sprains are two common snowboarding injuries. Treatment programs for
shoulder injuries typically focus on pain relief; reducing inflammation;
and restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility to the shoulder. It is
also important to strengthen the uninjured muscles and tendons of the
shoulder in order to compensate for the injured ones.
Neck injuries such as neck sprains are also common in snowboarders. Mild
to moderate neck injuries are usually relieved using conservative
treatments including ice and moist heat in a matter of weeks. Finding neck pain
relief is crucial to the healing process; it is important to rest the
neck and avoid activities that cause discomfort or pain.
Another sport that racks up its fair share of injuries is sledding. Flying
down snow-covered hills can result in a number of injuries affecting
multiple body parts including various strains and sprains. Back sprains, a type of soft tissue
sprain, are quite common. An injury or trauma to soft tissue can result in
bruising, pain, and swelling. Initial treatment after such an injury
usually consists of P.R.I.C.E. (protection, rest, ice, compression, and
elevation) to decrease both pain and swelling.
Other conservative treatments for soft tissue pain or minor strain/sprains
include:
-- Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help
reduce pain and relieve inflammation.
-- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a specialized
program to prevent stiffness, improve range of motion, restore flexibility,
and increase strength.
-- Chiropractic Treatment: Chiropractic care has been shown to relieve
pain in some patients with acute soft tissue pain.
-- Massage Therapy: Deep tissue massage can help ease muscle tension
caused by soft tissue injury.
-- Acupuncture: Working with an acupuncturist experienced in treating
musculoskeletal injuries can help speed recovery from injury.
In both winter and summer, hikers are also at risk for various injuries
including ankle sprains and twisted knees. Ankle sprains are common hiking injuries that do not
always require medical attention. However, certain symptoms may warrant a
visit to the doctor's office or emergency room, including a deformed foot
or ankle, uncontrolled pain, or the inability to walk normally. Generally,
if pain or swelling persists for five to seven days, a doctor's appointment
is in order.
Dr. Doug McKeag, a founding father of Primary Care Sports Medicine, past
president and founder of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine,
and member of the Wellness Professionals™ Advisory Board, offers the
following insight: "Inappropriately, or even worse, incompletely
rehabilitated injuries resulting from outdoor activities account for many,
if not most, chronically symptomatic musculoskeletal conditions. Shoulder
pain, ankle pain, and knee pain that lingers after acute injury is most
likely the result of poor rehabilitation of that particular joint. If you
want to avoid these after-effects, address the injury and make sure proper
rehab is part of the treatment plan."
Participating in outdoor recreational activities is a great way to stay in
shape and enjoy nature. Here are a few simple tips to stay injury-free:
-- Equipment check: Proper footwear and equipment is essential for top
performance and staying injury-free.
-- Start slow: Stretching and warming up prior to strenuous exercise can
prevent injury as well as decrease the likelihood of joint and muscle pain.
-- Pay attention: From snow to surf to turf to trail, being mindful of
surroundings can help with avoiding injury.
For additional information on integrated wellness solutions for
musculoskeletal conditions, injury recovery, or prevention, visit
http://www.wellnessprofessionals.com
About Wellness Professionals(TM):
Our mission is to help people prevent, solve and relieve musculoskeletal
pain. We offer an integrated set of resources (health information, diagrams
& pictures, lifestyle, products, supplements, exercises, and online
community) targeted to 100 common musculoskeletal conditions.
Embedded Video Available
Embedded Video Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=407969
Contact:
Matt Hall
CEO
Wellness Professionals
(617) 649-2119
http://www.wellnessprofessionals.com
