Let’s start with one statement: overhand throwing a baseball or softball is not the most natural action for the human. Underhanded softball pitching is slightly more forgiving on the shoulder, but can place unique stresses on the elbow or lower back.
A parent cannot let ego or immediate gratification get in the way of an immature arm- too much throwing at too young of an age may create significant damage.
Sure, making all-stars at age 11 with a wicked curve is a great feeling, but not being able to throw at age 16 due to permanent elbow damage is a real bummer.
Remember, elbow or shoulder injuries are a common career obstacle as many pro scouts or college coaches may shy away from the athlete with a history of arm problems.
While pitchers get the most attention, let/s not forget other high-volume throwing positions such as catcher and shortstop.
There are not too many willing and talented catchers, so when one shows up, he/she gets a lot of playing time.
When there is a pitching change, that catcher is still out there.
From warming up pitchers in the pen to gunning out runners at second base, I have seen many a young catcher develop arm troubles.
Little League baseball has recognized the importance of protecting catchers by mandating that any player who throws more than 41 pitches in a game cannot move to catcher in the same game.
Do not hesitate to recognize the symptoms of arm trouble and then get professional advice- many throwers are accustomed to certain soreness after games. If this soreness intensifies into actual pain or lasts longer than usual- call and schedule an evaluation. Any joint stiffness or swelling maybe OK in adults, but is unacceptable in young throwers. Poor results- loss of velocity or command can be other signs of evolving arm troubles.
Better believe it!
Bases, flyers, backspots and tumblers need agility, strength, and frequent practice to fine-tune routines and prevent injury.
Unfortunately, the frequency of cheerleading injuries is rising with the increasing complexity of stunts.
When I ask many younger dancers about what types of dance they do, I often get something like the following answer “hip-hop/jazz/ballet/tap/lyrical/modern”.
There are many challenging types of dance, and at a young age, it is good for a child to learn the different skills needed to enjoy each type of dance.
The variety makes things interesting for a young dancer, and reduces the risk of overuse injury or burnout.
Also, this broad exposure allows the dancer to better choose favorites down the road.
For the very young dancer (under age 6 or 7) each class should cover a variety of dance disciplines with 1-2 classes a week a good starting point.
Emphasizing one type of dance per class is recommended more for school-age dancers who have learned the basic skill sets and can better focus on one discipline for at least an hour.
Summertime, and the living may not be easy for a young dancer attending an intensive camp or class unless there is proper preparation.
To get the most out of these wonderful opportunities for learning and advancement, discuss the need for proper nutrition and rest beforehand.
May be important to take a week or so off before the intensive to ensure the dancer is appropriately rested for the experience, and not to immediately schedule any demanding work right afterward.
How old should my daughter be when she goes en pointe in ballet?
These athletes deserve credit for their abilities- and also should follow some basic recommendations to prevent injury and spending unwanted time away from the skate park or trails.
Personal experience backed by multiple studies proves that helmets do prevent injury. For example, helmeted cyclists are 88% less likely to suffer a brain injury during a crash.
Every time some one gets on a vehicle with wheels (skateboard, scooter, rollerblades, and bicycle) or a snowboard, there should be a helmet on the head.
A helmet handing off the handlebars or kept in the garage does no good. Helmets may not look cool, but a shaved head and scars from an accident look less cool.
Many younger athletes do not like to wear pads, “they get in the way, get too hot, and they are not very attractive.”
They do work, and work quite well in preventing broken bones, sprains, and road rash from falls or missed stunts.
Experience has shown that wrist guards can greatly reduce the risk of forearm fractures due to falls from skateboards or snowboards.
Most children would prefer wearing protective pads and guards to wearing a plaster cast for 4-8 weeks.
There is no helmet than can provide 100% protection against concussion, and studies have failed to find certain types or brands of helmets or mouth guards that are superior in ability to prevent concussions. Helmets can protect against direct trauma to the face and scalp, but cannot be endorsed to fully prevent rotational forces that can create concussions.
The risks of injury and illness in distance running may be related to the total mileage and number of hours training per week.
There is no agreement among sports medicine professionals about distance limitations for children.
Until further data are available concerning the relative risk of endurance running at different ages, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if children enjoy the activity and are free of injury or ailments, there is no reason to keep them from training for and participating in such distance events including marathons and half-marathons.
Regardless of age, the 10 percent rule is an appropriate guide when designing a training program.
The soccer and sports medicine community continues to evaluate the safety of heading, especially in younger players. Recent review of the scientific literature allow for the following observations and recommendations:
Yes, adolescent and young adult female players have a significantly higher risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears and anterior knee pain injuries than male players of similar ages. Please see the section on Knee Injury Prevention for more information on this important topic.
Swimming-related ear infections are caused by fungal or bacterial infections of the external ear canal, and can cause discharge and extreme pain.
Several volleyball skills including serving, blocking, and hitting require an overhead motion that can stress both the dominant (hitting/serving) and non-dominant arm.
Excessive hitting repetitions or poor technique (limited follow through) are often the causes, so work with coaches to limit these issues.
Many volleyball players can benefit from scapula (wingbone in back of shoulder) and overall shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises.
Going even a step further, paying attention to lower back strength and flexibility along with proper jump timing and technique can also be of great benefit.
For a comprehensive evaluation of hitting, blocking, or serving technique, please feel free too contact the office.
Net play is a common cause of ankle injuries, especially when players cross under the net.
Landing lightly from a jump on both feet with hips, knees, and ankles all lined up and slightly bent can not only reduce the risk of ankle injuries, but also severe knee injuries.
Balance training can reduce the risk of ankle injuries as well.
Protective ankle braces have been shown to reduce first-time ankle sprains and also for those unfortunate to have sprained ankles in the past, protective ankle braces can reduce the risk of re-injury especially in the first six months after an ankle injury. Bracing does not reduce the need for a proper ankle rehabilitation program after an injury.
For more information on ankle braces in volleyball, click here.
Often there are no easy answers or simple formulas to help determine an appropriate wrestling weight.
However, some standards can help the decision-making process.
Due to close contact with mats and other athletes, wrestlers frequently contract skin diseases such as ring worm (aka tinea gladitorum), herpes, impetigo, and other infections.
Not only are these a concern to the individual athlete, but they can easily spread to team members and opponents, thus officials routinely check the skin before large meets.
To help prevent the disappointment of disqualification due to dermatologic disease, the following recommendations may help:
Good neck strengthening and stretching exercises can help prevent spine injuries, ask a sports medicine physician for good recommendations.
Shoulder strengthening is also important for many of the holds and techniques used on the mat.
Mouth guards are essential to reduce dental/mouth trauma so demand that wrestlers wear mouth protection for all practices and meets.
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