Wii warm-ups: Prevent Nintendo gaming injuries

The must-have computer console Nintendo Wii, which allows gamers to get off the sofa and play a range of virtual sports, has been blamed for thousands of minor injuries. Wii users play games by mimicking the movements of sportsmen, using motion sensor handsets. The console has become the cause of a very 21st century type of household injury. Accident & Emergency wards across the land are dealing with Wii-associated injuries ranging from black eyes to back strain.

Physiotherapists encourage the use of the Wii, especially for those who do not regularly take part in sporting activities. However, many professionals such as Cheshire osteopath Martin Davies, have been presented with patients, many of them middle-aged parents, suffering from shoulder, neck and elbow pain. Some patients are playing virtual tennis or boxing for up to 10 hours a day and health professionals such as Davies are urging them to moderate the time they use the console.

The main concern is that players are straining their bodies, without doing preliminary warm-up and cool-down exercises.

If you’ve become a victim of the newly-dubbed ‘Nintendo Wii syndrome’ or don’t want to be carted into A&E after a vigorous game of virtual golf, read our tips below:

Watch your back

The lower back should be loosened by positioning your feet hip-width apart. Circle your hips five times clockwise and then anticlockwise. You should also pull in your stomach muscles and clench your buttocks ten times. If your back has been strained by punching a virtual Mike Tyson a bit too hard, The Vulkan Back Support  can help to alleviate lower back muscular pain.

Finger strain

Although the Wii relies less on digital dexterity than conventional games consoles, problems with the hands can still arise. To prevent this, clench and open your fists ten times to increase circulation. This step is particularly important due to the repetitive strain placed on your fingers and thumbs when playing with console controllers. Products on the market like the Digiflex are excellent for strengthening fingers individually. The three-spring palm bar works along with the finger buttons for grasp exercises.

Pain in the neck

Move your left ear to your left shoulder and do the same on the right side. Then take your chin to your chest and then backwards so you’re looking at the ceiling. Each stretch should be held for five seconds and repeated five times. If you have injured your neck, a product like the Vulkan Medicollar provides comfort and firm support which is ideal for relieving muscular tension in the neck. Remember, with any neck injury it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible

Shoulder shake

Games such as golf on the Wii can cause pain in the shoulders. To warm up before a game, stand with your feet hip-width apart and roll your shoulders backwards ten times. After a shoulder injury, it is advisable to place ice on the affected area to alleviate the pain. Try the Vulkan Instant Ice Pack If the problem persists, seek advice from a physiotherapist.

Wrist action

Warm up by holding your left arm out if front of you should point your fingers to the ceiling and pull your left hand backwards with your right hand. Then without rotating your arm, point your fingers down and push your left hand down with your right hand. Repeat the exercise on the other hand. If you have already been overdoing it on the virtual tennis, products like the the Vulkan Wrist Brace or the Vulkan Elasticated Wrist are great supports for those suffering from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). The aluminium splint in the wrist brace limits wrist movement and the elasticated wrist has an additional compression strap for weakened wrist joints.

You should remember that if you are concerned about using the Wii due to an existing condition or you experience any pain or discomfort whilst carrying out the above exercises you must stop immediately and seek advice from a physiotherapist.