Extensive repetition can contribute to some fairly serious injuries over the course of time. Athletes are particularly at risk for overuse injuries, but it’s not just persons engaged in intensive physical competition that are at danger for repetition-based damage. Even those motions that you take for granted on a daily basis can make you more susceptible to pain. With some small adjustments, though, you can hopefully avoid a trip to the doctor.
[separator headline="h3" title="Tennis Players"]The nature of the game means that competitors are required to swing their arms back and forth repeatedly throughout a match or a practice. This can lead to a degenerative condition known as tennis elbow. Over the course of repeated swings, the tendons surrounding the bump on the other elbow (known scientifically as the lateral epicondyle), will begin to lose their strength, and extensive soreness will follow.
Persons playing tennis should make sure to alter their workouts on a regular basis. Although a match may require a wide array of swings, when it comes to practice, a day can be spent focused on the serving motion, the next on backhands, etc. Attention should be paid to combining different movements, perfecting technique, and following through on each swing. The moment pain begins, a break needs to be taken, with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) being enacted to reduce further injury.
[separator headline="h3" title="Pitchers"]
Such players are called upon to maintain the same throwing dynamic day after day after day. This can wreak havoc on an individual’s arm, and when it continues for years, the impact on a player’s shoulder and elbow may require extensive surgery to correct.
Limits should be placed on how many pitches are allowed to be thrown in a given time period. When a game or a particularly intensive practice takes place, a player needs to be given ample time to rest their arm.
[separator headline="h3" title="Students"]Student athletes often experience overuse injuries because of the lack of an off-season at the highest level of competition, particularly in regard to baseball.
Avoiding specialization in one sport is perhaps the best way to keep students from experiencing a repetitive motion injury. A season should be just that: a season. If an athlete plays baseball in the spring, he or she should be encouraged to engage in other sports during the summer, fall, or winter. Do not sign up for multiple leagues in the same sport, and do not push a student athlete to play beyond their means.
[separator headline="h3" title="Workers"]Depending on your job, you may be required to engage in the same processes over and over again on a daily basis. This can happen with manufacturing jobs, desk jobs, or those jobs that require extensive lifting.
Inquire as to the injury prevention policies in place at your office. These are typically overseen by OSHA, and if you notice a distinct lack of regard for employee health, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns.
