Injury Prevention Programs

During the 2013-2014 academic year, high school athletes suffered more than 300,000 lower-limb injuries requiring medical attention and suspension of play for at least one day (according to the Colorado School of Public Health Pediatric Injury Prevention, Education and Research Program).

Yet a recent study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport claims that only a mere 10 percent of high school coaches have adopted Injury Prevention Programs (IPP) to reduce these types of injuries.

A solid IPP might include 15 to 20 minutes of stretching and strengthening exercises for hips, legs and thighs, along with jump-training to practice soft landings and minimize impact to the knees. The exercises are meant to be done three to four times a week before a practice or games.

This recent study involved 66 head coaches of basketball and soccer teams at 15 different high schools in Oregon. The online survey gauged their knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding IPPs.

Highlights include:

• 14 coaches reported using one of the IPPs, with six claiming they implemented the IPP exactlly as designed.
• Coaches of girls' teams reported to be more aware of IPPs than coaches of boys' teams.
• Coaches who did not use an IPP said the programs offered no advantage to their current training methods, were not compatible with their needs, or seemed difficult to implement.

Most exercises in an IPP have been developed to decrease serious injuries like ACL/Anterior Cruciate Ligament tears, but they are also helpful in reducing more common ones such as sprains and muscle strains.

Coaches interested in implementing an IPP for their team are encouraged to check with health care providers, such as orthopedic specialists, to learn about what type of program would most benefit their young athletes.

(Adapted from Reuters Health)

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Treating Football Sprains and Strains with R.I.C.E

Football season is around the corner! But with that comes frequently occurring injuries like strains and sprains. The very nature of football as a high-impact sport where players are constantly moving in all directions put a player at high risk. And whether you are a star high school player or just getting together with friends in the park for a game, it's important to know how to treat a strain or sprain.

Treat Strains and Sprains with R.I.C.E

When playing football, your wrists, knees, ankles, hamstrings, groin, neck and back are susceptible to sprains and strains. The best way to treat them is with R.I.C.E.: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Rest: Reduce or stop using the injured area for at least 48 hours. If you have a leg injury, you may need to stay off of it completely.

Ice: Put an ice pack on the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times per day. Use a cold pack, ice bag, or a plastic bag filled with crushed ice that has been wrapped in a towel.

Compression: Ask your doctor about elastics wraps, air casts, special boots, or splints that can be used to compress an injured ankle, knee, or wrist to reduce swelling.

Elevation: Keep the injured area elevated above the level of the heart to help decrease swelling. Use a pillow to help elevate an injured limb.

If the pain persists, contact us!

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