Stay Safe and Protected: Choosing the Right Gear for Sports
Reduce Your Risk Of Injury With Our Guidance On Proper Sports Gear Selection
Have you ever stopped to think about the important role that proper sports gear selection plays in ensuring your safety and performance? It’s more than just looking good on the field or court. The right gear can be the difference between a minor scrape and a major injury. Research indicates that sports and recreational activities are a leading cause of injuries in the United States, with millions of people seeking medical attention each year. We can help you stay out of that statistic by prioritizing sports gear selection for safe participation in the games you love.
Keep reading to learn more about this important part of sports performance.
Common Sports Injuries From Improper Sport Gear Selection
Sprains and Strains
- Whether it’s an ankle roll on the soccer field or a pulled hamstring on the track, these injuries are frequent. Proper sports gear selection, like supportive shoes with proper ankle stability and compression garments, can play a significant role in prevention.
Knee Injuries
- These can be devastating, especially in sports like basketball and skiing. Choosing well-fitted knee braces or pads, along with proper footwear for shock absorption, is vital.
Head Injuries
- Concussions and other head trauma are a serious concern in contact sports. Helmets that meet safety standards and are the right size and fit for your head can significantly reduce the risk of these injuries.
Proper Sports Gear Selection
Tennis
- An aspiring collegiate tennis player came to us with chronic wrist pain that was hindering his performance. We discovered that his racquet grip was too large for his hand, causing excessive wrist extension and strain with each stroke. We recommended a smaller grip size and a wrist support brace to provide additional stability and reduce the load on his wrist joint.
Cycling
- An avid cyclist presented with persistent knee pain that was preventing her from enjoying her favorite hobby. We found that her bike was not properly fitted to her body proportions, and her cleats were not aligned with her natural foot structure. This misalignment caused excessive stress on her knees with each pedal stroke. We worked with her to adjust her bike fit and recommended new cleats that properly supported her feet and knees.
Football
- Despite wearing a helmet, a high school football player came to see us after he experienced a concussion during a game. Upon examination, we discovered that his helmet was several years old and did not meet the latest safety standards. Additionally, it was not properly fitted to his head which left him vulnerable to impact. We educated him and his parents on the importance of up-to-date, properly fitted helmets and assisted them in selecting a new helmet that provided optimal protection for his head.
Running
- A runner sought our help for recurring shin splints that were affecting her training. We determined that her running shoes lacked the support she needed, which caused excessive stress on her lower leg muscles and connective tissue. We guided her through the process of sports gear selection for running shoes, emphasizing the importance of choosing shoes that matched her foot type and offered adequate support and cushioning.
Sports Gear Selection With UNIQ Physical Therapy
The right gear can be the difference between enjoying your sport and sitting on the sidelines. Invest in yourself by investing in the right gear. Schedule an appointment with us today and let us help you achieve your best performance while minimizing your risk of injury with proper sports gear selection.
