Highland Games Injuries and Prevention

[Detroitpete]

Believe it or not, heavy athletics are the "gift" I gave myself for recovering from a pretty intense injury. I've been an athlete all my life, albeit a smallish athlete, and a few years ago began practicing to get into a group of Masters--over 40 under 200lbs.

While rockclimbing I fell and shreaded my knee--the 110 foot verticle climb out of the ravine after the fall didn't help much either.

I had surgeries, casts, braces and was even in a wheelchair for awhile. The thing that made me do everything the PT guys told me to do--was seeing myself in a new kilt on a hot summer day, doing my best to feel 20 again.

I take injury prevention VERY seriously and am not yet at 100% yet--so here's my soap-box speech...

Treat your body with respect. Drugs, supplements can't fix what focus and hard work can't do. Learn about the mechanics of what you are doing and take your time. Good form doesn't just mean better performance, it usually means less risk of injury. Never let your brain or your pride write a check your muscles and ligiments can't cash.

Best warm-up is consistant training. If you try to be a weekend warrior you're gonna do damage.

Trust an 'old' man here...take your time, focus and spend the time you need to warm up. Injuries can usually be traced back to being impatient.

[Ayin McFye]

. Injuries can usually be traced back to being impatient.

I completely agree with that statement. Thank you for the great advice as well.

I don't even feel any pain anymore whatsoever which is what stinks. I feel like I can go back out there already and throw the heavy weights again, but i won't. I'm going to follow the doctor's orders to take at least 4 weeks off, just to be sure.