Staying active all year round comes with multiple health benefits. However, as the weather gets colder, it’s essential to take extra precautions to avoid becoming injured. At Advance Physical Therapy, we know how devastating a pulled muscle can be for our patients. That is why our team of expert physical therapists would like to share information regarding the best ways to prevent this from taking place.
Symptoms Of A Pulled Muscle
Before diving into some potential prevention methods, our team would first like to call out the symptoms of this type of injury. Doing so will allow patients to seek the care they need if they are exposed to this situation. If you display any of the below during or after your workout, you have likely pulled the muscle in question:
- Pain or tenderness.
- Swelling.
- Limited range of motion.
- Weakness.
- Redness or bruising.
How Does The Cold Affect Your Muscles?
Although injuries and muscle pulls can happen during any time of year, the risk of this type of injury increases during the winter. Our team would like to spend some time discussing the scientific reason for this occurrence. As the muscles are exposed to cold weather, they lose heat and contract, causing them to tighten. Tightened muscles can more easily be pushed past their normal range of motion, which is when a muscle pull occurs. Fortunately for our patients, our team has information on how this can be avoided.
Preventing Cold Weather Injuries
It’s not uncommon for people to prefer going for runs or working out in colder weather instead of the blistering heat of summer. If you’re one of these people or are considering giving this exercise a try, there are a few things to consider before starting your activity. To prevent muscle pulls from happening, we highly recommend the below methods:
- Dress in warm layers that can be removed if necessary.
- Take time to warm up and stretch out before becoming active.
- Make sure you’re drinking enough water before, during, and after being physically active.
- Listen to your body. If you feel pain, stop working out.
- Schedule sessions of physical therapy for preventative care.
Contact Our Team
People shouldn’t let the cold temperatures of winter dictate whether or not they can remain physically active. At Advance Physical Therapy, our team will help you stay moving. From prevention methods to treatment options for injuries, we’ll be there to help. To schedule an appointment, contact us today!