Tips to Protect Muscles and Joints from Sports Medicine Expert Dr. Brandon Morris
For athletes and active individuals, staying in top physical condition is key to performing well and avoiding injuries. We recently spoke with Brandon Morris, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at OCH, who has a strong background in sports medicine, to find out just what we can do to keep those muscles and joints healthy. Dr. Morris completed an orthopedic sports medicine fellowship at the University of Kansas, where he worked with the university’s athletic teams. Additionally, he has worked with the Kansas City Chiefs professional football team and the Kansas City Royals professional baseball team. In this blog, Dr. Morris shares valuable insights into injury prevention, training, and recovery to help keep active individuals in peak condition.
Training and Injury Prevention
Whether you or someone you know is an athlete, following fundamental training principles can promote better performance and injury prevention. Dr. Morris emphasizes, “engaging in a dynamic warm-up before exercise of any kind helps prepare muscles and joints, while gentle stretching of both the upper and lower body enhances flexibility and reduces injury risk. Additionally, staying properly hydrated and fueling the body with balanced nutrition are essential for optimal energy and recovery.”
Recovery and Long-Term Health
“After your workout, allowing the body time to heal and repair is essential. Icing sore areas and stretching post-exercise can alleviate muscle tightness and soreness”, says Morris. “While walking is a great low-impact exercise, especially beneficial for middle-aged individuals and beyond, as it helps to maintain cardiovascular and joint health. Adding resistance training to strengthen muscles and help prevent osteoporosis, makes these exercises a vital component of long-term health.” By taking the right precautions and knowing when to seek care, active individuals of all levels can stay in the game and healthy for years to come.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes it’s just not possible to prevent an injury, especially when exercising. However, not all injuries require immediate medical care, but certain warning signs indicate the need for professional evaluation. Dr. Morris warns, “If an injury prevents participation in normal activities or if pain persists beyond 12-24 hours, medical attention should be sought.”
For acute injuries, the OCH Gravette ER is available 24/7 to provide immediate care. For non-emergency concerns, an OCH provider or clinic can offer expert evaluation and treatment.
For more information on our ER, or to find an OCH location near you, visit www.ochonline.com/locations.