As the temperature starts to rise and budgie-smugglers make their return, the team at North West Physiotherapy is here to help you stay physically fit during the Summer months.
In this blog we take a look at four (4) common injuries and conditions we see during this time of year and ways they can be treated.
They are:
- Overtraining Syndrome
- Shoulder Impingement
- Lateral Epicondylitis “Tennis Elbow”
- Muscle Cramps
Keep reading to learn more or make an appointment with our qualified Brisbane physios today.
Common Summer Injuries and Conditions
1. Overtraining Syndrome
As we start to shed the winter bod for summer, one mistake that we often make is doing too much too soon. This is referred to as Overtraining.
When the body is stressed more than it is used to, we often see little niggles appear throughout our body. If ignored, these troubles can lead to more serious injuries that can put a dampener on our Summer plans.
Overtraining Syndrome: How to Prevent It
If you have been hibernating this past winter and are now planning on getting ready for summer, pace yourself.
- Start slow and gradually build up the amount and intensity of your exercise.
- Implement some rest days into your program, or if you are itching to be out and about, do some light active recovery such as walking, stretching or Pilates.
If you are already getting little niggles and they are not going away, book in with a professional at North West Physiotherapy before it becomes a bigger issue.
2. Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is described as sharp pain in the front and/or side of the shoulder which is aggravated when you go overhead.
Causes of Shoulder Impingement
Australian Summer sports, such as cricket, swimming and tennis, are common causes of shoulder impingement.
Due to the repetitive overhead nature of swimming, bowling in cricket and serving in tennis, those who play these sports are prone to develop this condition.
Treatment of Shoulder Impingement
The physiotherapists at North West Physiotherapy will have a detailed discussion with you regarding factors that may be aggravating your condition, and how to best manage your symptoms.
We create an individualised exercise program structured around strengthening the muscles around the shoulder and scapula to improve your shoulder mechanics to prevent future re-aggravations.
A hands-on approach may be required initially to settle symptoms and maximise your rehabilitation.
3. Lateral Epicondylitis “Tennis Elbow”
Tennis Elbow is pain on the outside aspect of your forearm that develops due to abnormal stress to the tendon.
Typically, pain is felt 24 to 72 hours after the forearm has been used and can radiate down to the wrist and hand.
You may also have some pain and weakness with lifting and gripping. Contrary to its name, only 5% of people develop this condition due to tennis.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
We typically see a spike in tennis elbow in warmer months because Summer is when many people start (or finish) home improvement jobs we’ve been putting off all year, in preparation for Christmas lunch and New Years’ Eve celebrations.
If you have not opened the tool bag in a while or have forgotten what a hammer feels like and are planning on tackling some DIY this summer, you are at risk of developing lateral epicondylitis or Tennis Elbow.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
If you intend to undertake a renovation or handyman project around the house this summer, plan ahead and avoid the temptation to give yourself an unrealistic timeframe.
Allow plenty of time to complete the project and gradually build up the intensity.
If your forearms start to get tight, allow some time to rest it and try some stretching and massage yourself.
If symptoms don’t improve, book in with a physiotherapist at North West Physiotherapy to help feel better before Christmas is ruined.
4. Muscle Cramps
Causes of Muscle Cramps
Summer in Australia is HOT! The heat and everyone enjoying exercising outdoors more makes the perfect storm for muscle cramps to occur.
We naturally sweat more when it is hot which creates an imbalance in the amount of water we have in our body. If we worsen this imbalance with exercise and are not adequately rehydrating, it can affect everything – muscle recovery, mood, exercise performance, headaches, fatigue.
Staying hydrated is one of the keys to prevention!
Treating Muscle Cramps
If you are already getting some muscle cramps, try some stretches and increase your water intake.
The amount of water that is required differs from person to person. Try sipping on a litre of water throughout your morning and monitor your urine. By midday, your urine should be a light-yellow colour.
If it’s still concentrated, drink more than a litre for the rest of the day. This requirement will increase if you do exercise for more than 30 minutes.
Common Summer Injuries: How Physio Can Help
If you are experiencing any of the above conditions, our team of qualified physios is ready to assist, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
North West Physiotherapy is your one-stop pain relief and healthy living practice in Brisbane. With six clinics across North Brisbane; Everton Park, Keperra, Eatons Hill, Nundah, Lutchwyche and Newmarket, our aim is to provide holistic healthcare solution to suit your specific lifestyle.
Our services include Physiotherapy, Sports Physio, Hydrotherapy, Pilates, Podiatry, Dry Needling, Massage, Womens Health, and Seniors Strength and Balance Classes. Please note that services vary across our clinics.
Contact your local clinic to book an appointment.
