Dragon boating in Greater Vancouver BC is almost up there with pickleball in terms of popularity. But while the latter provides a full body workout, the former taxes the torso unlike any other activity, whether a casual or competitive paddler. Consequently, dragon boaters (you) must be mindful and take extra precautions when it comes to overuse injuries and imbalances that may occur across your entire musculoskeletal makeup. The foundation of this, comes from regular physiotherapy. Below is a breakdown of why physio is critical to the success and longevity of your life’s journey as a dragon boat enthusiast.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Dragon Boaters Improve Performance While Preventing and Treating Common Injuries
Treatment for Common Injuries Suffered by Dragon Boaters
Beyond “surface” injuries such as chaffed hands (which is no casual natter) dragon boaters face a number of injuries that you may be experiencing,, or may eventually experience. Each of these primary injuries (acute and chronic) can be effectively repaired via physical therapy. These include the following:
- Lower back strain and pain (view available treatment)
- Neck pain (view available treatment)
- Shoulder impingement (view available treatment)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (view available treatment)
- Wrist tendonitis (view available treatment)
Click the links above to reference treatments for the above ailments. They may include a combination of chiropractic work, massage therapy, laser therapy, dry needling, TCM acupuncture, and more. And not only will regular physical therapy help heal your injuries, it will help prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Imbalance to Come from Overdeveloped Muscles
It’s not just the muscles that you’re putting to hard work when dragon boating that face risk of injury. Overdeveloped muscles put a strain on other parts of our body. Injuries arise when the larger muscle groups known as “the movers” overpower the smaller stabilizing muscles and the rotator cuff. This can lead to shoulder dysfunction, so it’s necessary to strengthen and mobilize the stabilizers and rotator cuff muscles to manage the risk that comes with excessive development of “the mover”. Most people know. how to strengthen the larger muscles and movers in the gym, but few know which exercises target the rotator cuff, interscapular muscles, and the specific stabilizers that are impacted by your activity. Thankfully, a physical therapist does.
Moreover, the development of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the upper body can compromise those on the lower extremity if you don’t perform movements and exercises to develop them. Your entire core can be thrown off, if you don’t face the risk of musculoskeletal imbalance head-on. Once again we find how a physiotherapist should be considered an essential part of your training regime.
Enhanced Performance
By working to treat and prevent common dragon boating injuries, while addressing the potential for musculoskeletal imbalances, you will not only stay injury-free, you will paddle stronger, faster, and for longer periods of time without hitting the wall of fatigue. Fellow paddlers, the steersperson, and even the drummer will take notice of (and appreciate) your progress.
Before you pick up the paddle and join your crew, be sure to book a consultation with your local physiotherapist. If you reside in the Greater Vancouver area, contact our Burnaby physiotherapy clinic to set up an appointment. Call us at 604.558.2273 today.