Bike rides. Flag football. 18 holes of golf. If you pack a lot into your weekend, you could wake up Monday with a stiff neck, a strained back or a sprained ankle. This is especially true if you jump into activities without warming up or building endurance.

To avoid the common aches and pains faced by many weekend warriors and other part-time athletes, maintain a healthy weight and fitness level, says Alicia Shoup, regional manager of Good Shepherd Outpatient Rehabilitation – CedarPointe.

“We encourage our patients to stay fit for life,” she says. That includes taking steps to prevent sports injuries (see below) and treating them appropriately when they do.

If you find yourself in pain after an activity, treat yourself at home with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation).

“If pain persists or interferes with your everyday activities, you may need a physical therapy consultation,” says Shoup, who has advanced certification in sports-related injuries. “A therapy consultation can help you pinpoint the problem and develop the treatment plan that is appropriate for you.”

Visit www.GoodShepherdRehab.org and go to Outpatient Locations to find a Good Shepherd Physical Therapy site near you.

Prevent Sports Injuries