7/7/20255 Ways UV Safety Supports Your Wellness—and Your Recovery

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July is UV Safety Month, and while most people think of sunscreen and beach trips, protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is also a key part of your overall health—and even your recovery journey.

At Cypress Physical Therapy, we believe in whole-body wellness. That means helping you stay strong, mobile, and pain-free, while also protecting the skin you're in. Here are 5 reasons UV safety matters, especially for those undergoing physical therapy or working toward a wellness goal:

1. UV Damage Can Slow Healing
 If you're recovering from surgery or injury, your skin is part of that healing process. Excessive sun exposure can cause inflammation, slow tissue repair, or damage healing incisions and scars.

2. Medications May Increase Sun Sensitivity
 Many patients in physical therapy take medications—anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, or muscle relaxers—that can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. That means even short sun exposure can lead to burns or rashes.

3. Sunburn Can Limit Movement
 If you’ve ever had a sunburn, you know how uncomfortable it can be to stretch or move. For physical therapy patients, that can make daily exercises painful—and slow your progress.

4. Hydration Is Essential for Performance
 Staying safe in the sun also means staying hydrated. Dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps, all of which interfere with your ability to exercise and recover effectively.

5. UV Safety Is Preventive Care
 At its core, physical therapy is preventive care—keeping you moving, strong, and independent. UV protection fits right in by helping prevent long-term skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

 

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Wear SPF 30+ every day, even if it’s cloudy
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if outdoors
  • Wear a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves
  • Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM) when possible
  • Stay hydrated—especially during outdoor activities or PT sessions


    Your body is your greatest asset—and that includes your skin. As you work on healing and strengthening through physical therapy, don’t forget that wellness also means protection. This July, make UV safety part of your recovery toolkit.