Keeping Athletes Strong in the Dog Days of Summer

When the sun is blazing and school’s out, summer sports take center stage. Whether it’s soccer drills on dew-soaked grass, tennis volleys under the afternoon sun, or sprinting across the sand for beach volleyball, summer athletes are on the move. And while the sports may vary, one thing remains the same: the need to keep young bodies healthy, mobile, and injury-free.

At our clinic, we work with athletes of all ages to help them perform their best—and recover quickly if injury strikes. No matter the sport, two key areas we always address are shoulder stability and core mobility.

Softball Player

Shoulders & Arms:From spiking a volleyball to a tennis serve or a soccer goalie’s dive, the upper body takes a beating in summer sports. The shoulders, elbows, and wrists need to be strong, flexible, and well-aligned. We recommend daily dynamic stretches such as arm circles, shoulder rolls, and straight-arm wrist rotations to warm up the joints and soft tissues. Pay close attention to muscle balance—especially between the chest and back. A weak upper back can set young athletes up for shoulder strain. Chiropractic care can help restore alignment and mobility, while strength training builds the resilience needed to avoid injury.

Core & Rib Cage:In nearly every summer sport, the body twists, turns, and bends. That means a mobile rib cage and strong core are essential for safe movement. Twisting motions in soccer, swimming strokes, or overhead motions in tennis all rely on the shoulder blade and rib cage working in harmony. Prolonged sitting (hello, summer road trips or gaming marathons!) can stiffen this area. Incorporating yoga poses like thread the needle or standing seal can help. And don’t underestimate the power of chiropractic adjustments to restore motion where it’s been lost.

And remember—nutrition, hydration, sleep, and stress management matter just as much as stretching. Everything in the body is connected. Support your summer athlete from the inside out, and they’ll stay strong through the hottest days of the season.

Need help keeping your athlete healthy this summer? Call our office at 952-443-9000 to schedule an appointment.