As summer heats up and more people return to outdoor sports, Houston Methodist experts recommend a few simple steps that can help prevent injuries and keep athletes active all season.

As World Cup matches continue across North America through July 19, interest in sports like soccer is rising—but experts said athletes across all activities – including baseball, swimming and other recreational sports - should focus on avoiding setbacks. Dr. Kyle Borque, orthopedic surgeon at Houston Methodist, said that injury prevention is critical for athletes at every level. 

“My goal is to help athletes understand their risks and reduce injuries before they happen,” he said.

Borque said a few simple habits such as proper warmups, building strength and balance, and easing back into activity can significantly reduce injury risk.

“Research-backed programs like FIFA 11+ show that dynamic warmups can significantly reduce injury,” added Scotty Wild, a physical therapist at Houston Methodist. “Simple exercises like planks, squats and lunges, combined with dynamic movement, can improve stability and avoid getting hurt.”

Borque said working with athletes at all levels is both a privilege and a responsibility and pushes physicians such as himself to deliver the highest level of care.

“Our goal is to help athletes stay healthy so they can continue doing what they love safely,” he said.

To schedule an interview with a Houston Methodist sports medicine physician or other World Cup subject matter expert, contact Kennedy Copeland at 216.924.0866 or kgcopeland@houstonmethodist.org.  

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