How to Prevent Diving Injuries
Most non-divers believe that diving is not as dangerous as contact sports. But this is not so because the body hitting the water has the force of a collision and the risk for orthopedic injuries like fractures are high.
For example, British diver Sarah Barrow competed in the synchronized 10-meter World Aquatics Championships final despite her two shin stress fractures. She was able to compete but only finished sixth – partly because of her injuries. A diver diving from a 10-meter platform travels nearly 40 miles per hour, a speed that generates forces sufficient to dislocate joins and break bones.
But that’s not all. Divers are also at risk from diving injuries caused by hitting the platform or board as well as overuse injuries, such as trunk flexion, back arching, and back twisting. Even training on so-called dry land can result in injuries, such as when weightlifting and jumping from springboards or on trampolines.
The Healthpointe clinics have many divers as patients, such as the clinic in Anaheim (accessible to patients from Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park, Buena Park, Cypress, Cerritos, and Garden Grove).
Here are a few safety tips that professional and recreational divers can keep in mind to significantly reduce the risk for injuries before, during and after diving.
- Perform warm-up exercises before diving. Your muscles will have greater blood circulation and your bones will be better stretched.
- Avoid diving from heights for which you have not conquered your anxiety. Otherwise, you will likely become nervous and overlook proper diving technique.
Keep in mind, too, that orthopedic injuries are not the only injuries that divers can suffer. These include swimmer’s ear, sinusitis, ruptured eardrums, and cuts, scrapes and bruises.
Come to any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one at Irwindale, which is accessible to patients from Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village, for proper medical attention of your orthopedic injuries.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Irwindale, which is conveniently located near Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net.