Top 5 Summer Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Summer brings longer days, better weather, and more motivation to get outside and get moving. Whether you’re running, hiking, playing GAA, or hitting the gym harder than usual, increased activity can put extra stress on your body, especially if your recovery habits don’t keep pace.
At CP Clinic, we often see a spike in injuries during the summer months. The good news? Most of them are preventable with the right awareness and strategies. Here are the top 5 summer injuries we treat, and how you can avoid them.
1. Muscle Strains and Sprains
Why it happens: Sudden increases in activity, skipping warm-ups, or pushing too hard too soon can overstress muscles and ligaments.
Common areas: Hamstrings, calves, lower back, ankles.
How to avoid it:
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Always warm up and cool down properly
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Increase training intensity gradually
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Don’t ignore tightness or small twinges, they’re often early warning signs
2. Patellar Tendonitis (“Jumper’s Knee”)
Why it happens: This is common in sports involving running, jumping, or quick directional changes (like GAA, tennis, or HIIT training). Repeated stress on the knee can cause inflammation and pain around the patellar tendon.
How to avoid it:
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Strengthen surrounding muscles (quads, glutes, hamstrings)
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Wear proper footwear with adequate support
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Don’t train through pain, book an assessment early
3. Ankle Injuries (Including Sprains)
Why it happens: Uneven surfaces, sudden changes in direction, or fatigued muscles can make your ankles more vulnerable to rolling or twisting.
How to avoid it:
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Incorporate balance and ankle stability exercises into your routine
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Be extra cautious on trails or uneven ground
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If you’ve had a previous ankle injury, consider taping or bracing for support
4. Shin Splints
Why it happens: A classic overuse injury, shin splints tend to pop up when someone increases their running or walking volume too quickly, especially on hard surfaces.
How to avoid it:
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Gradually increase running distance or pace
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Make sure your shoes are suited to your activity and foot type
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Mix in lower-impact workouts like cycling or swimming
5. Lower Back Pain
Why it happens: Poor technique during lifting, twisting, or even sitting in awkward positions at summer events can trigger back pain. Lack of core strength is often a hidden factor.
How to avoid it:
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Keep your core strong and active, not just for gym-goers!
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Use correct form when lifting or carrying heavy objects
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Stay mobile: long drives or sitting for too long? Get up and stretch
What To Do If You’re Already Feeling It
Sometimes, even with the best intentions, pain still shows up. If you’re dealing with a persistent niggle, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger issue.
At CP Clinic, our team specialises in diagnosing and treating these common injuries — with a mix of hands-on therapy, recovery plans, and expert guidance to get you moving pain-free again.
Pro Tip: Prevention is Cheaper Than Recovery
Staying active this summer should feel energising, not painful. Investing in prevention — whether that’s a check-up, recovery support, or strength-building — can save you from weeks of frustration down the line.
Need help recovering or staying injury-free?
We offer flexible payment options, including Humm, card, and insurance receipts — so you can prioritise your health, stress-free.
