We’re incredibly lucky as Washingtonians. We live in a state that is full of beautiful hikes and scenic views. Seattle has ranked third for hiking among 75 metro areas in the United States. In the last five years, the annual sales of the Discover Pass has increased 55 percent. With Seattle’s ever growing population, it seems that there are more new hikers out on the trails.
At Petett Chiropractic, we love hiking. It is a great way to refresh the body and the mind after a stressful work week. While some hikes are easy on the body, others may not, especially if you aren’t ready for the adventure to come. We want to help you prepare for your next hike so that you can enjoy the journey and not worry about an injury.
Prepare for the Outdoors
Hiking can cause stress your joints and hips. If your hike involves a lot of uphill movement, extreme soreness is fairly common. Common problems associated with hiking include joint pain, pain in the hips or knees and lower back pain. If you are feeling any pain or fatigue, it’s important to take a break and not push forward. If you take on too much too soon, you can risk developing an injury from overuse.
Before setting out on your hike, there are several measures you can take to avoid injury:
Invest in Proper Gear: Whether you’re a new or seasoned hiker, having the right gear is key. We recommend investing in quality hiking boots. Look for a pair of boots with a grippy tread, comfy cushioning, and great ankle support. Also consider using trekking poles or a hiking staff. Trekking poles can enhance stability and provide support on all types of up and downhill terrain.
Properly Pack: Whether you are going out for a nice day hike or five nights on the trail, properly packing your backpack will ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Finding a backpack that fits to your body is critical. You want to disburse the amount of weight in the pack from off of your shoulders to your hips. Any heavy items that you may carry should be towards the middle of the backpack, close to your center of gravity. This will help with stability and balance.
Hydration & Nutrition: Many hikers make the mistake of not drinking enough water. This can increase the risk of sunstroke and hypothermia. Hydration is incredibly important for preventing injuries. In addition, don’t forget to bring along nutritious food and snacks to help maintain energy levels.
Visit Your Renton Chiropractor Before Your Next Adventure
If your body is out of alignment, you could experience a lack of balance and risk a potential injury while on a hike. Through routine checkups, your chiropractor will be able to make sure that everything is working as it should be. Chiropractic care will improve your strength, flexibility and range of motions, eliminating any joint pressure when you’re out on the trails.
Don’t allow an injury to prevent you from experiencing the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Regular visits with your chiropractor at Petett Chiropractic can assist your performance and help your body work more efficiently. We have helped countless people fulfill and maintain their hiking lifestyle.
Please call (425) 277-2225 to schedule an appointment with one of our trained and experienced chiropractic doctors. We’re conveniently located about thirty minutes from Seattle.