Despite the latest medical discoveries, some patients cannot make a full recovery after severe injuries or as a result of degenerative conditions. At our Stockbridge spine center, we try to help patients with orthopedic limitations find ways to enjoy life and stay active. Adaptive sports and various activities are the answer to these patients’ needs.
In this article, we will explain what these activities are and how to get over the fear of exclusion and embrace them.
What Exactly Are Adaptive Sports and Activities?
If you have heard of the Paralympic Games and the inspirational stories of the winners, you already have an idea what adaptive sports are. These are versions of standard sports activities adapted to suit various physical limitations.
Some examples of adaptive sports are:
- Cycling on specially modified bicycles
- Wheelchair basketball
- Wheelchair table tennis
- Wheelchair dancing
These modified sport activities were created as a response to a real need: that people living with physical limitations should feel included, experience a sense of normality, and enjoy their life as much as possible.
Benefits of Taking Up Adaptive Sports
Studies indicate that people with orthopedic limitations who start practicing adaptive activities have an improved quality of life in many ways:
- Lower risk of secondary health conditions caused by a sedentary lifestyle
- Improved self-esteem and life satisfaction
- Better integration into their local community
- Increased socialization with their peers – people with similar conditions
On a physical level, adaptive sports help build strength and resilience to compensate for orthopedic disability. People who practice these sports:
- Have an increased endurance to physical effort
- Manage to increase their range of motions
- Have improved balance and develop better skills at using assistive devices
- Improve their cardiovascular health
How to Find the Best Adaptive Sports and Activities
The doctors at our Stockbridge spine center can help you with recommendations of adaptive sports based on your level of mobility and your preferences.
However, you can also identify the kind of activity you could take up, following these steps:
1. Define the Goals You Want to Achieve
It is important to start by thinking about why you want to take up adaptive sports. Do you want to compensate for the lack of physical activity caused by your limitations? Are you trying to stay fit? Do you want to socialize more?
Based on these goals, you can research local clubs and community centers offering such activities.
2. Be Aware of Your Physical Limitations
At a certain point you may become enthusiastic and believe that you can ignore your orthopedic limitations. There’s nothing wrong in trying to be the best you can be, but within reasonable limits.
Pushing yourself too hard or choosing activities that are incompatible with your condition may result in serious accidents and injuries. These injuries could lead to an increased limitation in your range of movements.
3. Find Ways of Involving Your Loved Ones in Adaptive Sports
Sports are more fun when you play them with others. Beside people who suffer the same limitations, consider your loved ones, as well. In this way, you can rekindle socializing and bring your family circle closer.
Also, your friends and family members will also look out for you and help you avoid accidents.
4. Learn about Injury Prevention
Injury prevention is just as important in adaptive sports as in standard sports. The key factors to reduce the risk of an injury are:
- Warm up and cool down properly
- Listen to your body and stop when you feel pain and discomfort
- Always stay properly hydrated
Get the Best Treatment for Orthopedic Limitations at Our Stockbridge Spine Center!
Living with physical limitations is challenging, especially if they are also associated with chronic pain. At our Stockbridge spine center, we use the most up to date devices and rely on our doctors’ experience to help patients improve their quality of life.
Reach out to us today and make your first appointment at 770-000-0000!
