The smell of spring, warm weather, and a fresh start – these are things we tend to think about now that the sun is shining and the weather is getting better. What many of us don’t consider is how to transition from the cold winter months into spring injury free. After years of treating patients who have springtime injuries, I’ve learned how to make this transition fun and as pain free as possible.
Here a few things to consider as you start spending more time outside and becoming active after spending time indoors:
- Warm up. As soon as the nice weather is here, people tend to jump in with both feet. They may start by putting on a new pair of sneakers and planning for a jog. Don’t forget to warm up and take it slowly. Return to previous activity levels gradually to avoid injury.
- Work in short spurts. If you’re planning to get to work in the garden or do some spring cleanup, don’t plan on doing everything at once. Plan in small 30 minute increments so you don’t strain your back or muscles.
- Get some sun. But not too much! Even in early spring the sun can damage your skin. Wear sun screen, long-sleeved shirts and hats if appropriate to avoid over exposure to the sun’s rays. Sun provides vitamin D and can increase mood. Although you should avoid overexposure, getting the right amount of sun is important.
- Stretch. After strenuous exercise, it’s recommended to spend a few minutes stretching. This is great to keep your muscles relaxed and giving your body a chance to cool down. Be sure to stretch and drink plenty of water after being active.
This spring is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Before jumping into activities, gradually get your body ready. This will help to alleviate the chance of injury and prevent issues with your back, shoulders, or other large muscle groups. If you do experience pain that lingers, please give us a call and one or our providers will do our best to get you on your way to recovery!