Accidents happen. Valentines day is right around the corner and a common expectation within relationships is a romantic night under the sheets. I’ve worked the day after valentines day for years. Each year at least one person will come to the office with what they see as an embarrassing story about how they injured their back, hip, shoulder, neck or other body part. It’s easy to forget that sex can be like a sport and it is important to show up prepared.
If you are out of shape or have “been without” for a while, below are five helpful tips on how to prepare for a big night.
1. Stretch. Prepare in the days before, even minutes before, while your partner is in the bathroom. Quickly and carefully warm up your low back by stretching.
2. Build a strong core. Over the span of as little as 5-7 days you can increase the strength of your abdominal muscles. Strong abs help take some of the work away from the muscles of the low back. Dividing up the responsibility of muscle groups may prevent an unwanted flare up or spasm when it is least convenient.
3. Get Warm. Cold bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and the like can put your body on guard which may make you vulnerable to a muscle sprain, strain or other injury which will put an end to spontaneity very quickly. Turn the heat up at least enough that you aren’t shivering when the clothes come off
4. Take it slow. Don’t rush. This should be news to some.
5. Remember, as silly as this sounds, musculoskeletal injuries during sex are not uncommon. They are also much more frustrating than other types of injuries. To be an athlete on the field, you have to prepare like one off the field.
An ounce of prevention is worth a lot. If you consider yourself at risk for this type of injury, be prepared. Should you have an injury, our office will be open on Wednesday. No detailed explanation of how you injured yourself needed.