Physical therapy
Participating in sports is a great way for adults to stay in shape, meet new people and fill leisure time. Sports are also wonderful activities for kids, helping them develop healthy habits, form friendships and possibly even earn scholarships for higher education. There are a number of ways to make sure you are making the most of your or your child’s sports activities. Physical therapy is one crucial part of this, especially if you or your child experience an injury.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy usually comes into play when you or your child has an injury as a result of participating in sports (or everyday activity). A physical therapist can help you or your child get back on your feet as soon as possible so you can ‘get back in the game’. Just a couple examples of injuries you might experience are ACL injuries or ankle sprains.
According to Jayne Snyder of Snyder Physical Therapy, The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments stabilizing the knee joint. Most often tearing occurs to this ligament while performing a sudden pivot which causes excessive rotation at the knee. The physical therapists at Snyder Physical Therapy specialize in the rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction. With the recommendation of your physician, they can help you return to previous activity level as efficiently as possible.
Snyder Physical Therapy also specializes in knee pain. Many people have Patellofemoral Pain, which is pain originating specifically from the area around the kneecap,” says Jayne. “This is the most common knee disorder and represents 25% of all knee problems. It is a common complaint following Anterior Cruciate (ACL) or cartilage injury. It is the most frequent injury in tennis players and accounts for 42% of all injuries to runners. Individuals with patellofemoral pain commonly complain of knee pain when going up and down steps, when squatting or after prolonged sitting. The knee is thought of as the “victim” between the hip and the ankle.
Due to this relationship, muscle imbalances throughout the leg or improper foot dynamics increase stress at the knee joint which may lead to pain around the kneecap.
The physical therapists at Snyder Physical Therapy are specially trained in knee rehabilitation and can design an exercise program to increase strength and stability throughout the leg. With your physician’s recommendation, they will be able to evaluate muscle imbalance and weakness around the hip, knee, and ankle to prevent unneeded stress on the knee joint.
Case Study from Husker Rehabilitation and Wellness Center
When Andy, an upcoming junior at North Star High School, hit a growth spurt last year, a birth defect known as bipartite patella caused unbearable pain during training for this active track athlete. Because of the pain’s intensity and the knee’s limited range of motion, Andy opted for surgery with a regimen of physical rehabilitation to alleviate the discomfort.
A bipartite patella occurs when the patella, or kneecap, occurs as two separate bones. Instead of fusing together in early childhood, the patella remains separated. While this situation occurs in a relatively small population and is usually not a problem, in Andy’s case, the fibrous tissue that connected the pieces of bone became inflamed and irritated, and the knee pain was persistent.
Post-operatively, Andy chose Husker Rehabilitation and Wellness Center to help him return to full functional capacity. His prescribed rehabilitation: Twice per week for one month in Husker Rehab’s postural restoration program with a commitment to a home therapy schedule. “Staying committed to my rehabilitation plan was simple because I knew that my athletic performance was at stake. The therapists at Husker Rehab were extremely supportive and encouraging throughout the program, regularly monitoring and adjusting my regimen to match my progress,” Andy said.
Andy chose Husker Rehab because of their known expertise. He had torn his ACL earlier in his athletic career, and teaming with Husker Rehab literally got him back on his feet. “I received a number of referrals for different therapists, but Husker Rehab was by far the most recommended. Besides, I already knew where I wanted to go.” Andy said.
Andy’s knee rehabilitation took less time than anticipated, and he was able to get back to track quickly. Within a month after the surgery, Andy started to track activities again. Not only was his knee feeling great, but he was able to execute at the level he had performed at prior to his surgery in his event of choice, the pole vault. “It was an athletic success and a personal triumph to place third at districts and to qualify for the state competition.” Andy said. There are many ways for both adult and student athletes to increase their performance and enjoyment of sports. Here are some non-medical ways to consider.
Stay in Shape
No matter what age or what sport you’re involved in, the better shape you’re in, the better you will perform. You’ll have more success and have more fun in all your sports activities… guaranteed!
For student athletes, it’s not hard to stay in condition when training at school during the sport’s season. But a planned workout regimen must extend through the off-season to improve your strength and agility, hone your skills, and keep up with the competition.
Young people who do not compete athletically also need to keep physically fit. Fitness means better overall health, mental alertness, more energy, better sleep, and better self-esteem. All students need this.
Adults who are involved in any sport should make an effort to be in good condition. It may not make as much difference to a golfer as it does an extreme skier to be in top shape, but all benefit by being fit.
Dave Kentopp of Anytime Fitness Explains, “Using golf as an example - we see all shapes, sizes, and ages of golfers on the course, so why worry about being fit if you’re not in serious competition? You will play a better game. Increased strength and less tension give you more controlled power in your swings. You will have more energy to go a full 18 holes. You will have improved concentration. Your improved strength and flexibility will also help protect from injury. Enough reasons?
In essence, the whole family needs to be fit for whatever sports activities they pursue. To start and maintain your family’s healthy lifestyle, nothing beats Anytime Fitness for 24-hour convenience, state-of-the-art equipment, atmosphere, and value. With access to over 1300 locations, members can usually find a location wherever they travel this summer on vacation.”
Supplements
As Independent Coaches for Beachbody, Lift Fitness owners Kristin and Pat Hain offer a comprehensive approach to health and fitness for all ages and fitness levels. Athletes at all levels from local schools to college and pro teams utilize Beachbody fitness programs and supplements and often speak about them publically (these celebrities are not paid for their endorsements, they simply believe in the products). Professional sports teams in the NFL, NBA and NHL utilize P90X as part of their training routine due to its solid base and proven results and many are also starting to utilize INSANITY for its intense cardio sports drills.
Lift Fitness and Beachbody provide a comprehensive package for people to get started in or maintain active lifestyles and a healthy future. This includes a superior line of nutritional supplements to maximize healthy results (including Shakeology…the healthiest meal of the day), an extensive online Club with tools to help you track and reach your fitness goals, incredible cash and prize incentives to motivate and inspire, as well as revolutionary live support unlike any other in this industry. It is also important to note that the fitness programs offered by Lift Fitness may be utilized by everyone, you don’t have to be a top athlete or even currently in shape.
Athletes in serious training need dietary protein to replace muscle protein that is torn down during exercise, as well as carbohydrate muscle fuel to replace the carbohydrate stores that are burned during exercise. The role of protein in this process is of vital importance as, along with carbohydrates, it seems to work synergistically to increase insulin release from the pancreas. This helps raise insulin levels, which are low after exercise, to move blood glucose back into the muscles for glycogen production. This is the major source of muscle fuel. Additionally, insulin is a strong activator of amino acid transport and protein synthesis, both of which are essential to repairing tissue damage after exercise. Hence, high-quality protein with a balance of amino acids provides the building blocks for muscle restoration.
Shaklee Products such as Physique Workout Maximizer Supplement, Shaklee Performance Maximum Endurance Sports Drink, and Meal Shakes were designed with the needs of athletes in mind. Shaklee Physique and Shaklee Performance were clinically tested at the University of Texas by Dr. John Ivy, one of the top researchers in the world in exercise physiology. The results of the study on Shaklee Performance showed that athletes were able to significantly extend their endurance, while Ivy’s most recent clinical with Physique is regarded as a landmark study in post-exercise recovery.
Chiropractic
According to Dr. Corey Dousharm of Mosier/Timperley Chiropractic, “Chiropractic can aide in the needs of any sports participant, being an adult or child. Because of the unique stress a particular sport puts on the body, athletes are more susceptible to injury. Chiropractors consider the total well being of an athlete giving particular attention to the spine, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. We stress on keeping all the systems of the body functioning efficiently so the athlete can attain peak performance, minimize injury and have a fast recovery.” Dr. Alex Leonida of Healthy Start Chiropractic adds, “Chiropractic works by using the adjustment to align the spine so that the body receives the appropriate information, from head to toe. With this spinal balance, an adult or child is able to function at max potential, with an increase in immune function and decrease in muscle and joint discomfort.”
“Most injuries in sports are either a traumatic injury or a repetitive overuse injury,” says Dr. Dousharm. “Chiropractic care can help with both types of injuries depending on the extent and severity of the injury. The only way a chiropractor can determine if they are able to assist you is by performing a thorough examination. The chiropractor will also be able to refer you to the appropriate health care professional if further assistance is needed.”
Dr. Leonida says, “I work with quite a few young softball and baseball players who have shoulder discomfort from throwing/pitching. I also enjoy working with those runners who have dealt with severe hip and foot pain for years, but refuse to give up running. It’s amazing when they come in pain free after a few adjustments and are able to fully enjoy their runs again!”
When choosing a chiropractor for yourself or your child, keep the following in mind. “Look for a chiropractor who fully embodies the health and wellness aspects of life,” suggests Dr. Leonida. “If they are in shape and active, chances are they have a good idea what it takes to maintain spine and joint health. A chiropractor who also does muscle work to relieve discomfort is also handy to have. Along with the adjustment, proper stretching technique should be used to keep muscles from cramping.”
Dr. Dousharm adds, “Just like other health care professionals, chiropractors may specialize in certain areas of study. When choosing a chiropractor, here are a few questions to ask. Are you able to perform extremity adjustments (such as adjustments to the shoulders, elbows and knees)? Do you work on soft tissues such as muscle, tendons and ligaments (certain injuries require treatment of these tissues)? Do you have experience in working with this type of injury?”
Participating in sports is a great leisure activity for adults and a wonderful activity for students to get involved in as well. By taking the above advice, you can enjoy your activities to the fullest and have everything in place you need to succeed!