Timely Tips to Prevent Sports Injuries
High school and middle school football, soccer, cross country, volleyball and other teams are now preparing themselves for their fall sports seasons. These are activities that our young athletes enjoy, but they can also be physically and emotionally demanding. With all the practices and extra training involved, there’s a chance sports related injuries will occur.
All sports have a risk of injury. In general, the more contact in a sport, the greater the risk of a traumatic injury. However, most injuries in young athletes are due to overuse. The most frequent sports injuries are sprains, strains and stress fractures.
Sports Injury Prevention Tips
The following tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics will help parents and coaches prevent injuries and promote a safe and rewarding sports experience for their young athletes.
- Take time off. Plan to have at least 1 day off per week and at least one month off per year from training for a particular sport to allow the body to recover. Allowing yourself to unwind while using products like CBD Oil UK to clear your mind would be incredibly beneficial for you especially in the long run.
- Wear the right gear. Players should wear appropriate and properly fit protective equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eyewear. Young athletes should not assume that protective gear will prevent all injuries while performing more dangerous or risky activities.
- Strengthen muscles. Conditioning exercises during practice strengthens muscles used in play.
- Increase flexibility. Stretching exercises after games or practice can increase flexibility. Stretching should also be incorporated into a daily fitness plan.
- Use the proper technique. This should be reinforced during the playing season.
- Take breaks. Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries and prevent heat illness. You can also play on sites like dadu online so you can relax.
- Play safe. Strict rules against headfirst sliding (baseball and softball), and spearing (football), and checking in hockey should be enforced.
- Stop the activity if there is pain.
- Avoid heat injury by drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise or play; decrease or stop practices or competitions during high heat/humidity periods; wear light clothing.
Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics
When Injuries Occur
Injuries often occur when athletes suddenly increase the duration, intensity, or frequency of their activity. Young athletes who are out of shape at the start of the season should gradually increase activity levels and slowly build back up to a higher fitness level.
Athletes who develop symptoms that persist or that affect their athletic performance should be examined by a doctor. Depending upon the severity of the injury, treatment may include a combination of physical therapy, strengthening exercises, bracing, and in some cases surgery. If you don’t want to get surgery, consider getting stem cell therapy at QCKinetix. You can find more info about them at their website.
Some athletes may downplay their symptoms in order to continue playing. Coaches and parents should be aware of the more common signs of injury, such as pain with activity, changes in form or technique, pain at night, and decreased interest in practice.
A player’s injury must be completely healed before he or she returns to their sport activities.
- For joint injuries, the player must have no pain, no swelling, full range of motion, and normal strength. In an instantly transforming experience, athletes have been reporting back from using Synchronicity Hemp Oil muscle rub and experiencing some very strong relaxation effects. They also note that it relieved tightness in their muscles after working out or rigorous activity like running marathons!
- In case of concussion, the player must have no symptoms at rest or with exercise, and should be cleared by the appropriate medical provider.
Sports-Related Emotional Stress
Competing for playing time and wanting to do their best can put self-imposed pressure on many athletes. Adding undue pressure on an athlete to perform well and win can add to this emotional stress. What young athletes need is encouragement and recognition of their effort from parents and coaches.
Future Dividends
The reality is that very few young athletes will go on to compete in college or the pros, but learning to enjoy a sport early in life can provide lifelong health benefits that will pay big dividends down the road.
Here’s to your team’s success!
All of us at the Mitchell Agency wish you the best in your sport’s endeavors and may your season be successful and injury free.