Mindi Meadows Willingham

Mindi Meadows Willingham, owner of TheraSport Physical and Aquatic Therapy in Rainsville, and Pink Dance Studio, addressed the crowd about exercise-related injuries.She received her BS in physical therapy and MS in sports medicine from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and will have completed her doctorate in physical therapy in August of 2008.

Willingham said exercise-related injuries occur most often in the springtime when people begin trying to work out again while the weather is warm.

Willingham said the most common injuries are tendinitis, bursitis, muscle strains, ligament sprains and trauma, including fractures, contusions, muscle tears and ligament tears.Meadows said most often trauma will not occur during normal exercise.

Risk factors for injury include frequency, duration and intensity of exercise; previous physical activity level; current fitness level and age and having a higher BMI.Willingham said smokers are also at a higher risk of injury because smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing the likelihood of injury or heart attack.

Willingham offered the following tips for a safe workout:
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Willingham recommended stretching until you feel a mild tension and hold for 30 to 60 seconds.She said always stretch before and after exercise.