The Pre-Season Routine to get theKnee, Shoulder and Back Ready for Spring and Summer Athletics

Pre-season stretching and preparation are essential for athletes who are gearing up for summer sports. As the temperature rises and the body is asked to perform at a higher level of intensity, ensuring proper flexibility and readiness can prevent injuries. Stretching before the start of the season helps increase blood flow to muscles, enhances joint mobility, and improves overall flexibility. This allows athletes to move more efficiently and with a lower risk of muscle strain, ligament injuries, or tendonitis, common issues that arise when transitioning from the off-season to more rigorous activity.

In addition to injury prevention, pre-season preparation also builds a solid foundation for improved performance. Engaging in dynamic stretches and mobility exercises before hitting the field or court can activate muscles that are crucial for the sport at hand. For example, a soccer player may focus on hip flexors and hamstrings, while a tennis player may concentrate on wrist flexibility and shoulder mobility. These targeted stretches ensure that athletes can reach their full potential when the season begins, offering better agility, endurance, and strength.

Mental preparation is just as important as physical readiness when it comes to summer sports. Pre-season stretching routines not only prepare the body but also help athletes mentally focus and establish a rhythm before competition. The time spent stretching offers a moment to center attention, calm the mind, and develop a mindset geared toward performance. Athletes who make stretching a routine can begin to associate it with a mindset of discipline and readiness, creating a psychological edge that enhances focus and confidence when the season officially begins.

Lastly, pre-season stretching and preparation set the tone for long-term athletic development. The habit of consistent stretching fosters a culture of care for the body, reminding athletes to prioritize recovery, maintain flexibility, and listen to their physical needs. When incorporated into a regular training schedule, it encourages athletes to remain proactive about their physical health throughout the summer sports season, reducing the risk of overuse injuries and promoting long-lasting performance improvements. Thus, pre-season stretching isn't just about preparing for the first game, but about building a sustainable athletic routine that lasts throughout the entire season and beyond. Come see us in South Windsor, Bloomfield and Manhattan for your Knee and Shoulder Concerns.

Author

Kenneth R Alleyne, MD, FAAOS Dr.Alleyne is the managing partner of Eastern Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and New York Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. He is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with an interest in sports medicine (knee and shoulder problems) and completed a sports medicine fellowship at Yale University. Dr.Alleyne seeks to give back to his community and Chairs the Board of the Connecticut Health Foundation and serves on the boards of the University of Connecticut Health Center, Connecticut Public Television and the Louis Armstrong Education Foundation. He is a team physician and orthopedic consultant to many athletes from school age to professional. He is the founder of Jazz on The Vineyard a fundraiser supporting academic resources for low income students and is an avid cyclist, hiker and skier. Dr.Alleyne is the managing partner of Harthave Partners.