Playing sports, sitting at a desk all day, or even running outside are all simple actions performed in our day-to-day lives. But, did you know that most of these actions require repetitive movement that can often cause muscle strain. The motions of everyday activities can sometimes contribute to common injuries, such as tennis elbow, shoulder tendonitis and shin splints.

Here are three types of preventative exercises you can do at home to help alleviate and prevent those everyday injuries from slowing you down:

1. Tennis Elbow, a common overuse injury that happens in the summer months due to increased sports activity with racquet sports, cycling, or golf. Preventative exercise: Eccentric strengthening. Use weights to strengthen the area and muscles used in your favourite activities.
2. Shoulder Tendonitis, a common injury often due to faulty shoulder mechanics that can be a result of sitting disease. Preventative exercise: Chest stretches. Chest stretches helps get the shoulders back into the right position. Shoulder blade exercises are also a great way to help mobilize the muscles around your shoulder blades and strengthen the muscles of the mid-back.
3. Shin Splints, a common injury as people increase their mileage outdoors. It is caused by running on concrete or other hard surfaces for longer periods of time. Preventative exercise: Leg stretches. Use a foam roller to warm up your calf muscles and lower leg muscles prior to running.

Being mobile and staying active is a great way to keep fit and healthy. Remembering these simple preventative exercises will help you stay on an injury-free path.

----------------------

Dr. Anita Chopra is your local family chiropractor.  Call 416-873-4218 to book your complimentary chiropractic consultation.