GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 23, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Summer activities bring an increase in sports injuries, says Grand Rapids chiropractor Dr. Michael Kwast. Whether individuals are training for a marathon or playing office softball, Dr. Kwast is encouraging summer sports participants to exercise caution. In order to prevent chronic pain and recurring health problems, individuals should seek immediate treatment should an injury occur. Sports massage, strength training and chiropractic care can also help reduce the risk for injury.
Peak Performance Chiropractic is urging individuals to use caution this summer when participating in athletic activities. Grand Rapids chiropractor Dr. Michael Kwast says that sports injuries can happen to anyone and are increasingly common during the summer months.
"You do not need to be a professional athlete to sustain an injury and require rehabilitation and pain management," said Dr. Kwast. "In fact, many recreational athletes are at greater risk for injury because they focus only on their preferred activity, such as running, and then skip over stretching or strength training. It is important to train and care for the entire body."
Summer sports, including softball, baseball, tennis and golf, can all cause repetitive motion injuries. For example, "tennis elbow" is common among individuals who play tennis; this injury is caused by an inflammation of the elbow's tendons due to improper motion while swinging the racket. The same injury can also affect golfers who improperly swing their clubs.
"Repetitive motion injuries can be especially painful and difficult to treat," said Dr. Kwast. "These summer sports injuries may occur slowly over time, until one day the pain becomes simply too great to manage. To help prevent injuries from becoming more serious, athletes should talk to their chiropractor when they first begin to experience pain."
Dr. Kwast also advises athletes to never ignore pain following an athletic activity. "Sports injuries do not simply get better on their own," said Dr. Kwast. "Prompt rehabilitative care can help prevent the injury from worsening. Additionally, proactive care is essential for preventing the injury from occurring in the first place."
To help reduce the risk for sports injury, Dr. Kwast recommends regular sports massage. "Sports massage is especially important for individuals who are training for a marathon, triathlon or other competitive event," said Dr. Kwast. "Massaging sore muscles increases circulation, flushing out toxins like lactic acid, which can block the body's recovery process. Massage also helps to loosen up the muscle and keep the body limber."
According to Dr. Kwast, regular massages and chiropractic adjustments can also improve athletic performance.
"Many of our patients tell us that their athletic performance improves following regular massages and adjustments," said Dr. Kwast. "This proactive care allows the body to function at an optimal level for athletic performance."
Peak Performance Chiropractic provides patients sports massage, strength training and injury prevention.