A Pacific Northwest summer and an active lifestyle go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re a day hiker, a stand-up paddle board enthusiast, just completed another half-marathon, or are training to scale Mt. Rainier - whatever your activity level, odds are your body will experience some wear and tear. In most cases, you will be able to bounce back quickly. But what about the times it takes longer to recover?
Whether you are already leading an active lifestyle, or are resuming your previous activity level after being sedentary during the pandemic, an Orthopedic surgeon (aka sports medicine specialist) can support your ongoing physical fitness and health by helping to prevent injuries in addition to diagnosing and treating them if they should occur.
The benefits of proactive sports medicine can both improve how your body responds to exercise and prolong your active lifestyle, not to mention make those thrilling victories on the rec league soccer field or at the summit of Mt. Rainier even sweeter.
Health Benefits of Being Active
According to the CDC, an estimated 110,000 deaths in the United States could be avoided per year if adults ages 40 and older increased their physical activity, even by just 10 minutes a day. Research shows that being active lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Physical activity also improves quality of life for people experiencing disabilities and/or chronic health conditions such as arthritis.
As the United States continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and people resume their previous levels of physical activity, many folks whose habits became more sedentary the past three years could benefit from sports medicine. Simple steps such as taking breaks from extended periods of sitting to do some light-to-moderate physical activity can be a simple way to ease back into a more active lifestyle. If you want to ramp up activity and make sure you’re doing it safely, an Orthopedist can be a great partner on this path.
When to Seek Sports Medicine
If you are active, healthy, and uninjured, you’re probably wondering why you would need an Orthopedic surgeon for sports medicine? Orthopedics is a specialty that focuses on care for adults and children living active lifestyles. As sports medicine specialists, Orthopedic surgeons can help with treatment and prevention of various orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries, such as:
- Wear and tear on joints
- Broken bones
- Knee, shoulder, and elbow pain/injuries
- Strains (muscles and tendons)
- Sprains (ligaments)
- Dislocations
- Concussions
- Osteoarthritis
Consulting with an Orthopedic surgeon is a great way to support your current physical activity level, and to prepare for future fitness adventures. They can develop individualized strength training plans tailored to protect past injuries, prevent them in the future, and recommend a post-exercise recovery plan to encourage active healing. Let our Orthopedic providers be your partner to help you lead a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
How Western Washington Medical Group Helps Patients Maintain an Active Lifestyle
Western Washington Medical Group is here to help you proactively maintain an active lifestyle and recover from injuries. The Orthopedic providers at WWMG’s Orthopedic, Sports, Spine & Hand Center in Everett have been serving Northwest families for over 30 years.
We provide convenient and exceptional care all at a single location. Should you sustain an injury, our team specializes in fracture care as well as joint replacement and reconstruction.
We deliver highly personalized care with a passion for returning you to optimal health and activity. We have the most experienced orthopedic team of specialists and therapists in the area to provide excellent care to your whole family. Our Orthopedic providers and staff are knowledgeable and highly trained to care for your musculoskeletal injuries, keeping you healthy and vibrant for a lifetime.
Make an Appointment with WWMG Orthopedic, Sports, Spine & Hand Center Today
Whether you’re a daily neighborhood route walker, an avid runner, a weekend trail hiker, or an accomplished athlete, request an appointment today with one of our Orthopedic doctors to help you build a supportive physical fitness and injury recovery plan. Let our Orthopedic sports medicine specialists be your partner in helping you lead a longer and more active, vibrant life.