School is out and summer has arrived! Expanding our variety of activities is all part of the fun and enjoyment that we look forward to during the cold winter months. Unfortunately, summer can also be a time of physical hazards. Certain injuries are more common during summer than at other times of the year. Everything from gardening to sports, running, walking and swimming can result in muscle injuries and pain. Sometimes these problems occur because of poor technique, like twisting incorrectly or lifting from the back instead of the legs.

Whether you have been training over the winter or not, using your muscles in a new way can cause fatigue and stress on your body, which can quickly result in sorts of problems and injuries. Muscles can become sore, achy, and tight, resulting in sprain and strain injuries to the muscles and ligaments in the back, neck, and extremities.

Here are three of the most common injuries that affect people in the summer:

• Knee injuries. Knee injuries happen as a result of running, walking, squatting and other knee-intensive activities.
• Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the muscle on the bottom of the foot becomes overstretched, most commonly occurring in runners.
• Rotator cuff. Rotator cuff injuries occur as a result of the patient engaging in the same repetitive shoulder motion over and over again, such as painting the house or swimming.

What can your family chiropractor do to help?

• Spinal adjustment. This is the process of realigning the vertebrae of the spine, loosening tight muscles, restore mobility, relieve pain and help patients recover from injuries.
• Stretches and exercises. Many people develop injuries while performing outdoor activities because they haven’t properly warmed up or their muscles aren’t strong enough. Ask your chiropractor to help by teaching you stretches and exercises that can help you get ready for a summer of physical activity.
• Nutrition advise. Eating right can help you train for physical activities and sports, and can also energize your muscles so that you’ll be in ready to engage in the healthy physical activity.
• Lifestyle advise. Your chiropractor can teach you how to avoid future injury by making small changes to your behaviors and habits.

Family chiropractic treatment can help your family (the young and the old) recover from injuries more quickly and can also help to prevent them from occurring. Pace yourself and take care! Remember, when you do feel that strain or pain, call your chiropractor right away.

Feeling a little strain or pain? For complete family chiropractic treatment, schedule an appointment with our family chiropractors at McKim Chiropractic. They will be happy to answer any of your questions and to evaluate your needs. Our licensed and certified staff is committed to helping the families of Nampa, ID receive the best family chiropractic treatment possible!