10 Tips for Preventing Orthopedic Injuries
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Our mission here at Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates is not just to heal but also to help you stay strong and injury-free. In this blog post, we’ll share valuable insights into preventing orthopedic injuries, guided by the values of compassion, collaboration, and respect, much like the ethos of Monadnock Community Hospital.
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- Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Carrying excess weight can strain your joints and increase the risk of orthopedic injuries. By maintaining a healthy weight, you reduce the pressure on your joints and lower the chance of injury. The repetitive strain of carrying extra pounds will lead to premature failure of joint cartilage, ligament stability, and tendon integrity resulting in issues with arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and alignment issues.
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- Stay Active and Strong:
Regular exercise is essential for building and maintaining strong muscles and bones. Focus on a well-rounded fitness routine that includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility work. Think about cross-training, low-impact resistance band exercises, cycling, rowing, and yoga.
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- Warm-Up and Cool Down:
Before diving into intense physical activity, warm up your muscles with 5 to 10 minutes of stretches or low-intensity warm up calisthenics. Afterward, cool down with static stretches to promote flexibility and prevent injury. Sport specific stretches for golf, tennis, hiking, and more are available online, and walking, jumping jacks, and high knee kicks can be used to warm up.
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- Use Proper Equipment:
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a recreational enthusiast, using the right gear and equipment is essential. Ill-fitting shoes, worn-out equipment, or poor-quality gear can contribute to injuries that may end up proving more costly than the price of higher quality gear in the first place.
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- Pay Attention to Your Form:
Good form is critical in preventing orthopedic injuries during exercise. Ensure that you use proper technique, whether you’re lifting weights, running, or engaging in any other activity. Seek professional advice and remember practice doesn’t make perfect, “Perfect practice makes for perfect play.”
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- Cross-Train:
Avoid overuse injuries by incorporating cross-training into your routine. Vary your activities to prevent repetitive stress on the same muscles and joints. Mix it up! And always schedule in regular rest days.
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- Listen to Your Body:
Pain is your body’s way of communicating. If you experience pain, don’t ignore it. Consult a healthcare professional if necessary, and give your body time to heal.
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- Stay Hydrated:
Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining the health of your joints and the elasticity of your muscles. Drink enough water throughout the day, especially during and immediately after physical activity. Activity in the heat can deplete us of body hydration faster than expected, so stay ahead of it. A common recommendation is to drink in a day your body’s weight in kilograms as ounces of water. For example, an 80 kg person (176 pounds) would consume 80 oz of water a day on average.
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- Prioritize Bone Health:
Ensure you get an adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium to maintain strong bones. This is especially important as we age to reduce the risk of fractures. Weight bearing exercise is particularly stimulating to the development of new stronger bone mass.
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- Regular Check-Ups:
Last but not least, don’t underestimate the value of regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. Catching and addressing orthopedic issues early can prevent them from developing into more severe problems. It’s much easier to correct a condition before it becomes chronic.
Community Support:
Living in a community that values health and well-being, such as Peterborough, New Hampshire, means having access to a support network that can help you stay on track with your orthopedic health.
By following these 10 tips, you can help reduce your risk of orthopedic injuries and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Monadnock Community Hospital is here to support you, and we’re always here for our community.
Stay well and take care of your orthopedic health!
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Harrington, MD, FAAPMR Part of the Health & Wellness Seminars at Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH) Dr. Harrington has been this community’s Physiatrist and Musculoskeletal Specialist at Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates for the past two decades. He will review common shoulder pains we all experience, some options for self-care, and reasons to seek medical consultation. This workshop is directed toward anyone with interest in or personal experience with shoulder pain, whether from wear-and-tear, an old injury, athletics, or aging. Interactive discussion is welcome. Dr. Harrington’s practice as a board-certified Musculoskeletal Physician is grounded in thorough diagnostic evaluation and treatment with 20 years of experience. He seeks to define a problem and then offers options and choices to guide patients toward a course of treatment all parties can agree on, leading to the best possible outcome. Recognizing that not every first choice leads to success, he establishes plans with patients that help bring about their goals. Learn more about Dr Shawn P Harrington Learn more about Monadnock Orthopaedic AssociatesAt Monadnock Community Hospital, we are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of our community. This seminar is just one way we strive to elevate the health of our community by providing accessible, high-quality care.
Learn more about the Health and Wellness Seminars at MCH Watch more videos of our seminars Background audio: Ten Minutes of Ambient Piano Relaxation by Music_For_Videosfrom Pixabay [post_title] => Video: Common Shoulder Problems and At-Home Solutions Seminar with Dr. Shawn P. Harrington 2023 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => common-shoulder-problems-and-at-home-solutions [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-06-14 12:31:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-06-14 16:31:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/health-and-wellness-seminars-video-231012-copy/ [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 36551 [post_author] => 9192204 [post_date] => 2023-09-22 16:31:51 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-22 20:31:51 [post_content] => While the seminar is over, you can still benefit from its insights by watching the video recording. More Seminar Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ze5z6m9KvNt4o6jyCHbf6NpCRpylhmq
This seminar is sold out!Welcome to Monadnock Community Hospital’s free Health and Wellness Seminars, where we're dedicated to empowering our community with knowledge and fostering a life of wellness. Our seminars are designed to bridge the gap between medical expertise and everyday understanding, offering valuable insights into various wellness topics. Led by experienced healthcare professionals, wellness experts, and educators, these seminars are an opportunity for you to take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
It's crucial to take an active role in your health journey. Our speakers encoue questions, discussions, and shared experiences, fostering connections among like-minded individuals who are all dedicated to prioritizing their well-being. Whether you're aiming to improve physical health, manage stress effectively, or enhance your overall quality of life, these seminars provide the necessary tools and support.
Common Shoulder Problems and Simple At-Home Solutions Seminar: Thursday, October 12, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Dr. Harrington has been this community’s Physiatrist and Musculoskeletal Specialist at Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates for the past two decades. He will review common shoulder pains we all experience, some options for self-care, and reasons to seek medical consultation. This workshop is directed toward anyone with interest in or personal experience with shoulder pain, whether from wear-and-tear, an old injury, athletics, or aging. Interactive discussion is welcome. Dr. Harrington’s practice as a board-certified Musculoskeletal Physician is grounded in thorough diagnostic evaluation and treatment with 20 years of experience. He seeks to define a problem and then offers options and choices to guide patients toward a course of treatment all parties can agree on, leading to the best possible outcome. Recognizing that not every first choice leads to success, he establishes plans with patients that help bring about their goals.This seminar is sold out!To join the seminar, Click Here to Register or give us a call at (603) 924-4699 x1110.We encourage you to save the date and stay tuned for updates on our lineup of speakers and session topics. Let's work together to unlock the power of healthy living and empower ourselves for a future of wellness.Remember, your journey towards wellness begins with a single step, and these seminars are your opportunity to take that step toward a healthier, happier life.Stay well,[post_title] => Join Us for the Common Shoulder Problems and Simple At-Home Solutions Seminar [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => health-and-wellness-seminars-231012 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-05-15 11:00:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-05-15 15:00:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/health-and-wellness-seminars-join-us-for-the-free-taking-care-of-your-spine-seminar-in-september-with-ryan-griffiths-at-monadnock-community-hospital-copy/ [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [posts_limit] => -1 [post_type] => post [taxonomy] => tag [terms] => harrington [section_id] => post-grid-3 )
Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates
Monadnock Community Hospital
Bond Wellness Center Suite 200
458 Old Street Road
Peterborough, NH 03458
Phone: 603-924-2144
Fax: 603-924-3993