Unless you’re into action sports and/or preparing to compete in breakdancing at the next Olympics, you may be unsure of why you get injured so easily. You seem to sustain some strain, sprain, or tear at work or when participating in physical activities every few months or even weeks. It’s a baffling phenomenon for you and many others, especially if you consider yourself to be in relatively good shape. You’re tired of it, and the negative impact that it has on your life and have come online to ask; “Why am I so injury prone?”. While there could be underlying medical disorders that are known to make muscles more prone to injury, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism, those would need to be diagnosed by your physician. What this article intends to do is explore the more common causes of injury susceptibility that can be addressed with physiotherapy intervention. Let’s review.
4 Reasons Why You Seem to Sustain Injuries so Easily and What You Can Do About It Starting Today
Compromised Musculoskeletal Function
Poor posture and spinal alignment, a weak core, and even an under-optimized gait (manner of walking) represent forms of musculoskeletal dysfunction that can make all other parts of your body more vulnerable to injury. A glance in the mirror cannot adequately assess posture, core stability, gait, and related facets of your musculoskeletal function. Only a trained physiotherapist can provide a comprehensive assessment to get to the bottom of which (if not some combination) could be the culprit that makes you injury prone. If located in the Greater Vancouver area, book a full body assessment to get to the bottom of your injuries right away.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Research shows that poor sleep and poor sleeping habits are consistently associated with increased risk of injury. All things equal, people who average with less than or equal to 7 hours of sleep experience nearly double (1.7 times) the risk of injury than those who average more than 7 hours per night. Reasons vary, running from compromised cognitive function (which can impact physical activity) to inadequate time for your body to recover from strenuous work or exercise. Click here to learn how physiotherapy can help improve sleep, and consequently risk of injury (all else equal).
Chronic Stress and Anxiety
Do you live with chronic anxiety and stress? The cortisol hormone is elevated during episodes of anxiety and stress. Elevations in cortisol interfere with your body’s ability to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines. The result is that underlying and new injuries remain inflamed and do not adequately heal. The pain may eventually subside, but if not allowed to properly heal it will seem as if you have sustained another injury to the same part/s of your body. While mental and behavioral health counselors are the first line of defense against injury-inducing anxiety and stress, physiotherapy may also be effective in mitigating risk.
Poor Nutrition
Research has shown that athletes (who are innately more prone to injury) are 64% less likely to sustain injuries when they improve their nutritional intake. Whether you’re an athlete or an “average” Jane or Joe, placing greater focus on organic foods and natural health supplements can potentially put a dent in your injury vulnerability. Start (with physician approval) by introducing these five nutritious foods that contain compounds that known to help heal muscle tears and may subsequently help reduce risk of injury.
Tired of getting injured so easily? If located in Greater Vancouver BC you can make a change for the better today by visiting our clinic.