Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Get Moving Again

It’s May, the weather is finally getting beautiful, and after being cooped up all winter, many of us are ready to get moving again. Around this time of year, people often feel a renewed sense of motivation to be more active,  and it truly is the perfect time to do so.

Whether it’s getting back to running, joining a pickleball league, golfing, hiking, biking, or simply walking more outdoors, spring naturally encourages us to move our bodies more.

But it’s important to ease back into activity the right way and avoid setting yourself up for an injury that could interfere with your summer plans.

Most Common Spring Injuries

This time of year, many of the injuries I see come from doing too much too soon, starting a new sport or hobby that the body may not be prepared for, or not allowing enough time for proper rest and recovery.

Some of the most common spring and early summer injuries include:

-Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow

-Calf strains and Achilles tendonitis

-Low back muscle spasms

-Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome)

-Shin splints

-Ankle sprains

Often, these injuries happen when activity levels suddenly increase after a less active winter season.

Let’s Talk About Prevention

While every injury is different, the best way to prevent most injuries is to properly prepare your body for the activity you are about to do. A good warm-up that is specific to your activity can make a huge difference.

If you’re running, start with a dynamic warm-up targeting the major muscle groups, followed by a light jog before increasing intensity.

If you’re playing pickleball or tennis, activating the shoulder, elbow, and wrist muscles before playing can help reduce stress on the joints and lower the risk of upper body injuries.

Golfers benefit from rotational warm-ups focused on the thoracic and lumbar spine to prepare the body for a strong, fast swing.

For hiking, basketball, or other activities that involve quick directional changes, proper footwear and ankle support are essential to protect the ankle ligaments, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles.

Just a few extra minutes of preparation can go a long way toward keeping you healthy and active throughout the season.

When Should You Seek Physical Therapy?

If something is starting to feel “off,” or you’re noticing an ache or pain that is affecting your daily movement or sport, now is the time to seek professional guidance.

The sooner we address the root cause of a problem, the faster and more effectively we can help you get back to the court, field, track, gym, or trail.

As preventative healthcare becomes more widely embraced, physical therapy is no longer just something people seek after an injury. In many cases, one of the best times to see a physical therapist is before an injury occurs; to improve mobility, identify weaknesses or imbalances, and help set you up for success during an active season.

Go Out There and Be Active!

There are so many great places to stay active in the Princeton-Mercer area this spring and summer. Whether you’re walking along the Delaware & Raritan Canal, playing pickleball at Community Park, biking through Mercer County Park, or getting back into the gym, spring is a great time for local residents to safely increase their activity levels.

Get outside, move your body, and enjoy everything our community has to offer this season. Just make sure you prepare your body the right way so you can stay active all summer long.