It’s summertime!  For many of us, that means we are traveling, exploring, more active, enjoying outdoor sports like swimming, water skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking and more!  With all of this extra activity, it can mean injuries may pop up more than expected; especially when we use muscle groups that are not commonly engaged.

Prevention is key!  Here are some things you can do to help prevent sports injuries:

  • Warm up your muscles before you start intense engagement
  • Wear the correct gear!  Proper shoes, clothing, helmets and pads are key
  • Condition your muscles to get them ready for your sport
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Take breaks
  • Stop when you feel pain
  • Cool down

Even with the best preparation plan in place, injuries occur.  The most common sports related injuries are sprains and strains.  You will know when it happens!  Many experience swelling, red or purple skin, and the inability to move the injured body part as you normally would.  When injuries occur, it is best to care for them right away.  Many recommend the RICE method:

  • R – REST
  • I – ICE
  • C – COMPRESSION
  • E – ELEVATION

When the pain lingers and RICE is no longer effective, you should see a doctor and consider getting acupuncture treatments.  An acupuncturist can effectively help to manage muscle pain and soreness.  Many people see acupuncturists for things like tennis elbow and tendinitis.  Besides using acupuncture for pain management, acupuncture can be used for reducing healing time, weakness and may even help in the cessation of pins and needles sensations.

Other ways you can help get your body back to it’s pre-injury stat is to participate in a restorative  exercise program.  Restorative exercise programs include a curriculum focused on strengthening the body where it is weak.  Many classes encourage the use of props and gentle movements to help the strengthening process and to prevent further injury.

East West Healing Solutions offers both treatment programs and exercise classes to help you bring your body back from injury.  To learn more about our pain management services, click HERE.  To see a schedule of our classes visit HERE.

Would you like to learn more and discover how we can help you manage your sports injury and pain?  Contact us for a FREE consultation at 727-216-3972.

marie pic 4About Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl.Ac.

Dr. Marie Perkins, OTR/L, LMT, DOM, Dipl. Ac. is one of the most recognized practitioners in Palm Harbor as a “non-pharmaceutical” pain specialist.

Born and raised in Quebec City Canada, Dr. Perkins received her Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy from University Laval in 1993.

Her passion led her to leave everything behind and immigrated to Florida in 1995. She proceeded with acquiring her Massage Therapy license from Bahkti Academy in 1999 and her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2004.

Her goal for founding East West Healing Solutions was to be a pioneer in the community working at bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine. She has established strong partnership with Medical Doctors, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurologists, Pain Management Physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic, Rehabilitative Specialists, Athletic Directors, Coaches and Personal Injury Attorneys in the community proving not only that it can be done but also that a cohesive team approach is often the most efficient way to help a patient.

“Over the years I have continued to add to my knowledge in order to be able to help as many patients I possibly could. Most of the time, a joint effort from Western and Eastern Medicine is required to obtain optimal health. For that reason, patients should proactively seek a team of highly trained professionals in various fields, all working toward one common goal; the PATIENT’S best interest. Your health portfolio should be built with the same concepts as your financial portfolio; diversification is the key!,” Dr. Marie Perkins tells her patients.

East West Healing Solutions is located at:

34876 US Highway 19 N
Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Phone: 727-216-3972
Fax: 727-216-3982
Email: drmarie@eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3

Web: eastwesthealingsolutions.com/pp3