How to Prevent Knee Injuries While Bowling

Many of the traditonal movements required to throw a bowling ball effectively can be very hard on knee joints.

Bowling is a great pastime for people of all ages and a great way to spend some quality time with friends while getting in some exercise as well. However, because bowling tends to isolate and concentrate on certain muscles far more so than other sports, bowlers can sustain serious injuries that they may not be expecting.

Things You'll Need

• Elastic athletic tape
• Flexible knee brace

Instructions

1. 

   Wear a knee brace. Wearing a flexible, slip-on knee brace can give your knees extra support and prevent the joint from slipping or twisting out of place while you are bowling. You can purchase this type of brace at most drug stores or sporting goods stores.

2. 

   Wrap your knees. If you prefer not to wear a full brace, wrapping the area just above and just below the actual knee can help hold ligaments in position and prevent strains and sprains. Use elastic athletic tape rather than sticky tape and make several circles around the top of the shin and the lower thigh.

3. 

   Stretch before bowling. Take a step forward, then bend the front knee while straightening your back leg. Hold the stretch for several seconds, then switch legs. Repeat this several times on each side. This will limber up your joints and muscles to prevent straining your knees.

4. 

   Exercise for 30 minutes a week. Adding just half an hour of cardiovascular activity per week can dramatically increase your resistance to knee injuries. As you use the joints more actively, your knees will become stronger and more resistant to strains and sprains.