Knee
injuries plague athletic programs from the junior high level all the way
through to elite athletes. Studies show that female athletes are four
to six times more likely to sustain a knee injury than male athletes. Knee
injuries also come at a very high price. Not only is there a financial burden
placed on the athlete, but the athlete also loses valuable practice and playing
time. Some athletes are able to make a recovery in a couple of months, but Button, van Deursen, and
Price found that in most cases an athlete will not be fully rehabilitated
and able to perform “challenging” athletic movements for five months. Missing
almost half of a year (not including the time from injury to surgery to rehab),
puts the athlete at a major disadvantage. Not only will they have regressed in
athletic ability due to the surgery, but they will also miss on that valuable
growth time that their fellow athletes have had.
The
simple solution is increased focus on knee injury prevention techniques. These techniques
can be done in preseason,as well as during season, in order to reduce the
athletes’ chances of injury. Sure,implementing these prevention techniques may
add on some extra time, but that pales in comparison to the time and money lost
if an athlete does truly sustain an injury. Coaches must be instructed on these
techniques and use them daily.
Next
week a specific prevention method will be presented.
I agree. Regardless of the exercise program or the age or gender of the participant, there are key points that should be addressed. First, a flexibility program incorporated into an exercise program is usually a good start. Second, a strength program (regardless of your current muscle strength) will typically work to prevent injury. Third, it is important, based on your level of fitness, any other surrounding health issues, or other previous injuries or current injuries or health issues that the correct exercises are chosen, and when they are, that overtraining is avoided. Lastly, as all of these are considered, make sure to consider proper equipment and technique. Great topic!
ReplyDeleteDuring my time with Coach Cole working with Tarleton's athletes, Cole understood the importance of injury prevention for college athletes. Now I know in my time coaching under different high school coaches, this idea does not always filter down. I believe that it needs to be included at the high school level, the main concern for coaches needs to be the well being of the athletes.
ReplyDeleteThis is a well written post, very informative. But I would also like to suggest to check Newport Beach Knee Surgery Post Rehabilitation, which could be less painful and more effective than the regular surgery.
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