As the popularity of highly-interactive video games like the Wii increase in popularity, the medical community is seeing an increased number of sports-related injuries.  While the risk of repetitive-motion injuries has always been an issue, injuries caused by the Wii are very different.  The injuries the Wii is causing are more related to actual “sports injuries” such as elbow, wrist, back and shoulder injuries.  It is interesting to note these injuries are generally not incurred by those who did not play sports before the Wii came along.

Wii “athletes” are especially vulnerable to injury for two reasons:

1.      They are often people who do not exercise on a regular basis.

2.      Wii players tend to overextend and exaggerate their movements while playing because there is not the natural resistance of a ball being thrown, hit or caught as there is when actually playing the sports.

While the virtual world seems to be at fault, the injuries being caused are very real and it is important for both Wii fans and those asked to treat them understand this.  So how can armchair quarterbacks (and bowlers and boxing champs) stay at their virtual and real-life best?  Well, here are a few tips:

·         Moderation. As with everything, playing with your Wii at an immoderate level will cause injuries. You are doing the same motions over and over. Injury is bound to result if you overdo it.

·         Form. Do not assume that because you are playing a game, that proper form does not matter. Those guidelines are put in place to help decrease the risk of injury. By being mindful of them while playing, you will be safer.

·         Supervision. If you have children, be sure to keep an eye on how much they play and how they play. If you see your children engaging in unhealthy behavior, you will want to intervene.

If you find yourself with an injury from playing all those great Wii games, chiropractic is a wonderful, non-invasive way to get you pain free in a relatively short time frame.  Don’t wait until your injuries become serious to seek the proper course of treatment.

By-line:
This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of sports management colleges. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com

ChiroWorks Care Center
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome