There’s no time like summer for keeping fit and active, or merely enjoying the world around you – be it the garden, the beach or the bush. So you won’t want a pulled muscle or tendon stopping you in your tracks.

Now is the time to dig out the running shoes, restring the tennis racquet and dust off the cricket bat, but before lunging into any summer pursuits it pays to warm up the muscles first.

Injuries can happen, especially after a long period of inactivity (which may have lasted all winter) when muscles, tendons and ligaments can be weaker and
less flexible.

But with a little preparation, by way of stretching, you can loosen up tight muscles so that you have your fun while reducing the risk of injury.

DO YOUR STRETCHES
Focus on stretching the muscle groups that you are most likely to use.

• Start slowly. Stretching too hard too quickly can strain muscles that are cold, leading to unwanted injuries.
• Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. It takes time to stretch your muscles safely. Remember to breathe during each stretch – never hold
• your breath.
• Make sure you also stretch after exercise. During a warm-down you’ll find your muscles are easier to stretch.
• Do not bounce. This can lead to trauma of the muscles, which can heal as scar tissue and actually tighten the muscle (subsequently increasing the risk of injury).

TIP: BASIC CALF STRETCH

1. Step out with your left foot.
2. Bend your left knee slightly and place your palms on your upper left thigh for support.
3. Lean forward slightly while keeping your back straight.
   

You should feel a gentle stretch in the calf of your right leg that’s extended behind you. Repeat on the other side. Hold each stretch for approximately 30 seconds.

MANAGING AN INJURY
If you 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.

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 readily absorbed to help soothe aching muscles.

It provides specialised relief from muscle and joint pain and can help ensure you’re not out of action for long, so you can indeed make the most of summer while it’s here.

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Voltaren Emulgel, diclofenac diethylammonium 1.16%. For temporary relief of local pain and inflammation. Medicines have benefits and some may have risks. Always read the label and use only as directed. If your symptoms persist or you have side-effects, consult your healthcare professional. Novartis Consumer Health, Australasia. TAPS NA3788

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