Stay Safe in the Water This Summer

Swimming is a great way to stay fit and have fun at the same time. However, carelessness can cause shoulder, wrist, knee, foot, and ankle accidents. Southern California Orthopedic Institute offers these swimming injury prevention tips:

• Always take time to warm up and stretch. Research studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping jacks, stationary cycling, or running or walking in place for 3 to 5 minutes. Then slowly and gently stretch, holding each stretch for 30 seconds.
• The most common swimming injury is shoulder pain due to repetitive motion. The best way to prevent this is with a general exercise program to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and upper back.
• Swim in supervised areas where lifeguards are present. Inexperienced swimmers should wear lifejackets in the water.
• Do not attempt to swim if you are too tired, too cold, or overheated.
• Be knowledgeable about first aid and be able to administer it for minor injuries, such as facial cuts, bruises, or minor tendonitis, strains, or sprains.

“Every summer we see swimming-related injuries, and most often it was as a result of carelessness and accidents,” says Dr. Joseph P. Burns, orthopedic specialist at Southern California Orthopedic Institute. “Taking precautions and following prevention tips will help ensure you and your family have a safe and happy summer.”

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