With warmer weather around the corner, many people who've been inactive are getting ready to spring into an exercise routine or fair-weather sport. Lack of proper conditioning can result in a season-ending injury.

Overuse injuries, like tendonitis or tennis elbow, are very common at this time of year, says Dr. Donald Brown, manager of physical therapy for Lifetime Health.

Brown offers the following tips on how to get back into a sport or start exercising:

- Maintain good health habits over the winter. It may be too late for this year, but it is yet another reason to pass on the third helping of mashed potatoes next holiday season.

- Progressively prepare yourself for your seasonal sport. For example, if you are a golfer, get out to the driving range a couple times before your first round of the year. Think about what kind of flexibility and activity level it takes, advises Brown. Walking is one of the easiest things to do to ease back into physical activity.

- Remember to check equipment, especially footwear. Make sure your equipment is in good shape and is still adequate for you. Proper equipment is necessary for all kinds of activities, even gardening or spring cleaning.

- Stretch frequently. Think about which muscles you use, and stretch before and after activity. Consult with a physical therapist if you are unsure what stretches to do for a particular muscle group.

"Starting off your season on the right foot is one of the best ways to prevent injury later on," says Brown. "Many people don't realize physical therapy can be proactive, rather than reactive."

People with injuries in one part of their body, such as chronic back problems, can be given function-specific exercises that work another part of the body, such as the legs, that won't aggravate the existing injury.

As a result of "direct access" legislation passed in 2007, individuals no longer need a prescription from a primary care physician to see a physical therapist.

Lifetime Health Medical Group offers physical therapy services in Amherst, Buffalo and West Seneca. For more information, call 839-9529 or visit http://www.lifetimehealth.org.