Doctor advises on measures to avoid injury during physical activity

Al Ain, Abu Dhabi - 28 December, 2016:  With high rates of obesity and lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevalent in the UAE, an active lifestyle including regular physical activity is necessary to combat the onset of these conditions to help lead a healthier and happier lifestyle. Physical activity also improves the emotional wellbeing of a person making them more confident. However, if not done properly sports and exercise can result in serious injury as they all carry some form of risks. 

“Many people avoid exercises and sports activities because they are worried about injuring themselves. However, if certain precautions are taken these can be avoided and weight loss goals can be achieved,” says Prof. Dr. Massimo Piracci, PHD, MD, MBBS, MS (Ortho-Trauma), PhD (MIA, USA), GMC-UK, Consultant and Head of Department of Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at Medeor 24x7 International Hospital Al Ain. “When a person begins a regular active routine, their energy levels are quite high and they are optimistic about losing excess weight. However, a week in the aches and pains can set in and makes for an unpleasant experience. This sports fatigue can eventually lead to injuries especially if they are not doing exercises and other activities properly.”

“Most people do not warm up and cool down properly and even when they do it is done using erroneous methods. Before any workout people should utilize dynamic stretching, which allows for the movement of body parts through the normal range of motion they will use during a workout or physical activity. This type of stretching allows for the blood flow to the muscles which they contract and expand,” the Doctor explained. “After a workout, the person should engage in static stretching of all the muscles that were used in the workout as it helps with recovery and overall flexibility.”

Prof. Dr. Massimo also advised against ignoring a warm up.

“Always begin a workout with a warm up - even before stretching. A warm up that mimics the specific movements helps muscles have a greater tolerance to stretching and also enhances blood flow, increases the elasticity of muscle and helps prevent injury,” he said. “Another thing that helps in reducing sports injuries is including regular resistance training in your workout routine. However one has to ensure the resistance training that you include is appropriate for your age and skill level.”

He also stressed that it is important to understand your body and gradually introduce build-on physical activities.

“More often than not, people start pushing too hard right from the word go without realizing the implications on their body. Rapid or too many fluctuations in a workout routine increase the likelihood of the person developing an injury. When you begin to introduce physical activity into your daily life it is important to progress gradually while ensuring to maintain a moderate training load,” Prof. Dr. Massimo advised. 

And the most important thing to ensure is that an active lifestyle is complemented by an appropriate healthy diet as well as adequate sleep and intake of water. 

“At Medeor 24x7 International Hospital Al Ain we are committed to providing quality medical care that also emphasizes on the spiritual wellbeing of an individual and we hope through highlighting these preventive measures a person will be able to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of a regular active lifestyle,” said Dr. Yasmine Maher Ahmed, Medical Director and Head of the Radiology Department of Medeor 24x7 International Hospital Al Ain.