Kiwis love their winter sport, be it rugby, soccer or skiing. But with winter comes cold weather and stiff muscles, which can increase the risk of injury and pain. That’s why injury prevention should be top of mind this season.

Life’s too short for staying on the sidelines, but hitting the sports field under-prepared can find you hitting some sore spots in the process. Acute injuries can happen when muscles or tendons are stretched too far or exposed to more weight or force than they can take. A sudden twist or awkward movement can also damage ligaments, resulting in pain and inflammation.

But, with a little preparation, the risk of injury can be reduced. Warming up is an essential part of any game, especially over winter when muscles, tendons and ligaments are colder than usual and more prone to injury.

TIPS FOR PREVENTING INJURY

• Avoid launching into winter sports cold – try and maintain a level of exercise and fitness throughout the year so your body is more flexible and prepared.
• Always warm up before exercise to help loosen and flex muscles, and get the blood flowing to the muscles about to be used. A warm-up should begin with a low intensity activity such as brisk walking or jogging. 
• Prepare for your chosen sport by warming up the muscle groups you’re most likely to need. Ask your coach for the most useful and appropriate exercises to do.
• Do a cool-down exercise after sport, to help dispose of built-up waste products in the muscles and reduce muscle soreness. Again, light exercise such as a brisk walk or gentle swim is ideal.  Also, include a few minutes of slow, controlled stretching, with each stretch held at least 30 seconds.
• Drink plenty of water before, during and after sport to help prevent muscle cramps and fatigue, both of which can contribute to injury.

MANAGING MUSCLE AND JOINT PAIN
If you do pull or strain a muscle, or overstretch a ligament (eg. ankle sprain), treating the injury appropriately and relieving pain is the key to keeping you moving.

Voltaren Emulgel is a specialist rub for muscle and joint pain relief. It penetrates to the site of pain, concentrating its relieving power where you need it most.
That’s why the All Blacks choose Emulgel for their pain relief.

HOW DOES VOLTAREN EMUGEL WORK?
Voltaren Emulgel is a medicated rub containing a powerful anti-inflammatory that works to relieve soft tissue pain and inflammation.

Thanks to its unique formulation, Voltaren Emulgel is easy to rub in and
is readily absorbed to help soothe aching muscles.

Treating injuries quickly and effectively can reduce any time spent
on the sidelines this winter, helping you get back to the sports you love, faster.



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