Sporting Injuries used to occur in professional athletics, but medical specialists are increasingly seeing young people. Kids are participating in organized recreation these days, and with structure comes the danger of children being asked for too much - or asking it of themselves.
Kids were always coming home with bumps and bruises, but most could be treated with a kiss from Mom and a band-aid. A trip to the emergency room took care of real crises. However, vacant-lot games have given way to coached sports, where the demands are higher. Even cheer-leading is competitive and can be more dangerous than playing the actual sport.
The discipline and demands are greater, as well, when things are organized and competitive. Even cheerleaders are getting hurt as their routines get more acrobatic. In fact, records show that more cheerleaders are injured than football players.
A child who excels through innate talent might dream of winning competitions all the way to the Olympic level. To win, they practice every day, sometimes for hours at a time. Repetitive drills can cause injury as joints, tendons, and muscles finally give way under constant strain.
Specialized doctors may be able to diagnose unusual conditions, such as 'Little League Elbow', which afflict team players, gymnasts, figure skaters, and others who practice the same moves over and over to achieve perfection. Over two million children now require medical treatment for a sports-related injury each year.
Professional players often have an extensive 'off-season' rest, but kids may not be so lucky. Parents are advised to make sure kids are not over-doing and remember that specialist care might be needed.
Parents and coaches can help by making sure players are physically fit before starting an intensive practice and game schedule. Cross-training is important, since it tones different muscles rather than repeating the same motion over and over. Increase the intensity of activity slowly, by no more than ten percent a week. This means that a twenty-minute session can go twenty-two minutes. Three times a week is enough for practice, with a week-end game.
Make sure coaches supervise proper warm-ups and cool-downs, making sure payers understand the necessity. Coaches ideally should be certified in their sport, but this is more of an exception than a rule in elementary and community leagues. Parents need to speak out if they feel safety is being ignored and the well-being of players is at risk. Sporting injuries can result in more than disappointment; they can lead to lifelong disability and pain.
Kids were always coming home with bumps and bruises, but most could be treated with a kiss from Mom and a band-aid. A trip to the emergency room took care of real crises. However, vacant-lot games have given way to coached sports, where the demands are higher. Even cheer-leading is competitive and can be more dangerous than playing the actual sport.
The discipline and demands are greater, as well, when things are organized and competitive. Even cheerleaders are getting hurt as their routines get more acrobatic. In fact, records show that more cheerleaders are injured than football players.
A child who excels through innate talent might dream of winning competitions all the way to the Olympic level. To win, they practice every day, sometimes for hours at a time. Repetitive drills can cause injury as joints, tendons, and muscles finally give way under constant strain.
Specialized doctors may be able to diagnose unusual conditions, such as 'Little League Elbow', which afflict team players, gymnasts, figure skaters, and others who practice the same moves over and over to achieve perfection. Over two million children now require medical treatment for a sports-related injury each year.
Professional players often have an extensive 'off-season' rest, but kids may not be so lucky. Parents are advised to make sure kids are not over-doing and remember that specialist care might be needed.
Parents and coaches can help by making sure players are physically fit before starting an intensive practice and game schedule. Cross-training is important, since it tones different muscles rather than repeating the same motion over and over. Increase the intensity of activity slowly, by no more than ten percent a week. This means that a twenty-minute session can go twenty-two minutes. Three times a week is enough for practice, with a week-end game.
Make sure coaches supervise proper warm-ups and cool-downs, making sure payers understand the necessity. Coaches ideally should be certified in their sport, but this is more of an exception than a rule in elementary and community leagues. Parents need to speak out if they feel safety is being ignored and the well-being of players is at risk. Sporting injuries can result in more than disappointment; they can lead to lifelong disability and pain.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about Sporting Injuries, then visit Darryl Jones's site for the Top 10 Exercise Facts for your needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment