In a physically demanding sport, injuries are a natural occurrence. There will always be certain injuries that are almost impossible to prevent, such as tearing an ACL. However, some athletes are more likely to get non-contact injuries than others. Several things contribute to this.

WHAT MAKES AN ATHLETE INJURY-PRONE?

Most people think getting bigger, faster, and stronger will help them do better in sports and avoid getting hurt. But this is only partly true. Experts in sports medicine say that athletes who get hurt often or don’t do well share three weaknesses. These are muscle imbalances, core stability problems, and poor neuromuscular control.

More than just strength training and building muscle is required to deal with and fix these problems. Conditioning programs that overlook these three weaknesses do little to improve an athlete’s overall health and performance. They make it more difficult for them to stay on the field.

MUSCLE IMBALANCES

For optimal athletic movement, opposing muscles around each joint, like the quadriceps and hamstrings, must have the right strength and length. But differences between these opposing muscles can lead to pain or weakness on the other side, which can cause an imbalance. Complications arise when the body cannot use all muscles fully. Strong muscles tend to support weak or hurt muscles. This can lead to possible injuries in the future.

CORE STABILITY

The body’s core encompasses more than the abdominal muscles or the so-called six-pack. It includes the muscles spanning the hips, pelvis, and spine. These muscles keep the body stable against compression, twisting, and shearing.

The core plays a critical role in the overall function of the human body. Research shows that having a weak core makes you less athletic and more likely to get hurt, especially in your lower and upper extremities. Studies have also shown that athletes with knee pain, ankle sprains, or pulled muscles often have problems with their core.

A strong core is essential for female athletes because a weak core can affect their posture. It can also make them more likely to get hurt. You must familiarize yourself with how the core muscles work and follow a good core stability training program. A good program includes all the necessary exercises to strengthen and stabilize the core.

NEUROMUSCULAR CONTROL AND ITS PURPOSE

Neuromuscular control is a person’s ability to control the body’s movements. It involves recruiting and activating the right muscles, especially those needed for stability during dynamic activities.

A car analogy can best describe the concept. Imagine a car that can travel up to 150 mph but only brakes up to 50 mph. In the same way, athletes’ bodies may be strong and fast. But if they can’t use their stabilizing muscles well, they risk getting hurt because they don’t have enough control.

If you’re injury-prone and want to improve your condition, Action Potential can help. You may visit us at our office in Austin, Texas. To schedule a consultation, call us at (512) 991-0038 or (512) 883-4036 for our office located within Lumos Fitness Collective.