With the Dragon Boat Festival just around the corner, it’s time to get race-ready — not just with your paddles, but with your body too. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or jumping in for the first time, here are a few must-do’s and definite don’ts to stay safe and strong on the water:
DO:
- Warm up thoroughly with dynamic stretches before hitting the water
- Focus on core activation and shoulder mobility
- Stay hydrated and maintain good posture while paddling
- Listen to your body — soreness is normal, sharp pain is not
DON’T:
- Skip your cool down or post-race stretch
- Ignore nagging pain in your shoulders, back, or wrists
- Jump back into training after a race day without recovery time
- Rely solely on self-treatment for aches and strains
Post-Race Recovery Matters
The repetitive nature of paddling can strain your upper body, particularly the shoulders, neck, and lower back. If you’re feeling tight or fatigued after practice or race day, don’t wait — early assessment and care can prevent longer-term issues.
Before & After the Festival A visit to your physiotherapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist can help optimize performance and support recovery. Pre-event sessions can improve mobility and prep your body for peak performance, while post-event treatments can ease muscle tension and reduce injury risk. Let’s keep you strong, injury-free, and race-day ready.
At Capital Wellness Clinic, we’re here to support your body through every season — whether you’re training, recovering, or just trying to stay active and pain-free. Our experienced team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists work together to create personalized care plans that meet your unique goals.
Capital Wellness | Ottawa's Home for Integrated Health
Call us or book online—your body will thank you!
