School is out and summer is officially here, which means St. Petersburg residents will all be heading outside to enjoy some time off. However, with summer also comes common summer sports injuries, which can put a damper on your days off! At Bond Thomas Chiropractic, we know that if not treated properly, these injuries can turn into something that will be affecting you for the rest of your life.

Stay safe and enjoy your time off with these tips to help you prevent sports injuries this summer:

• Stay hydrated. Remember that you need to drink enough water to replenish everything you lose when you sweat. Staying hydrated is the key to keeping your muscles working efficiently; tired and dehydrated muscles are at a higher risk for strains. If you will be working out or out in the sun for longer than an hour, replenish your electrolytes with some kind of sports drink.
• Take time to warm up. Summertime is when you get a chance to try out a new game or go back to a sport you haven’t played in a while. Don’t expect your body to immediately know what to do; take the time to warm up and get your technique right. Even something as simple as golfing or swimming can cause painful sports injuries when not executed correctly.
• Use the proper equipment. Even if you are just biking or jogging, wearing the right shoes that offer support is crucial. You want a shoe with a firm heel and good arch support; otherwise, you could suffer from shin splints or tendonitis.
• Be aware of your body. It is no secret how hot the days can get here in St. Petersburg, and being aware of your body and its limits are very important. If you are not hydrating while wearing your body out, you will be more prone to pushing your joints and muscles too far.

At Bond Thomas Chiropractic, we don’t want anyone in St. Petersburg to have to stay inside all summer because of sports injuries that could have been prevented! We want you to stay safe and healthy, but if you do injure yourself, know that we will be able to get to the root of the problem, instead of relying on medications to mask the pain.

Visit us today in St. Petersburg or call for more information at 727-522-1900.