How much is too much?

The main reason for these guidelines are because of the number of injuries in youth athletics. When we played ball, back in the day, we played a couple of months and moved on to another activity. Our body was doing different things all the time. Now with our children specializing in a particular sport, we are seeing overuse injuries such as Osgood Schlatters and rotator cuff tears in 12 and 13 year olds. The amount of time spent practicing or playing on a weekly basis, is often 10-20 hours for many of these children, way too much for a body that is not conditioned.

I agree kids should do different sports, however if they truly love the sport and sometimes, that is all they want to do, then the answer really is to find a proper strength and conditioning program. According to the Academy of Sports Medicine, 50% of youth sports injuries can be prevented by a proper youth strength and conditioning program. Easier said than done, I know. A programs primary concern needs to help evaluate potential injury sites, due to a lack of strength and or flexibility. If the muscle is not strong enough or pliable enough to handle the stress of the activity, it will tear. Once a balance is created, then proper mechanics of movement need to be taught, how to stop and change direction with control of the body. The more control they have the less stress to the joint.

I will stop here now and if anyone would like to learn more, please let me know, I would be glad to expand on the subject.

Thanks for the topic,
Bob Davis
Founder-Strength of America, Inc.
480-219-0868
www.strengthofamerica.us
strengthofamerica@cox.net

I am a father who is struggling with those whole concept. I am very interested in your perspective. As far as when children should begin playing, I did not play baseball until college. It did not take me long to learn to be a good baserunner and outfielder. Fortunately, I was fast. My throws were accurate, but took awhile to get there. I did not have that God-given talent.

Hitting a baseball, however, was a different story. I think you have to have enough at-bats to hit well. However, I think someone willing to put in the time at a batting cage and hitting regularly with a batting practice coach will do fine at around 13. I think many young boys are still a bit uncoordinated at earlier ages and need time to mature physically in order to do well at baseball.

Jimmy

"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit."

John 19:30

I am currently a volunteer for my local youth sports association and serve on the safety committee. My kids both play soccer, football and basketball within the organization. At a recent association meeting it was reported that our local doctors have sent notice that they will be no longer able to provide physicals for our athletes. This was a service that our community pediatricians and orthopedists have provided for many years.

In fact, just this past fall two children were identified with hernias and another with a blood pressure issue during these screenings. The physical screenings were voluntary on the part of the participant and required a parent to be present. Parents have always had the opportunity to get their child screened by their family physician. Now it will be required that parent show clearance for physical activity when the children register for the activity. The physicians have stated a concern about liability is the main reason for discontinuing this service. Our organization is concern about the loss of this service and what it might mean for some participants. Like many areas in the US some of our children, for many different reasons, do not otherwise have access to a physician for a basic physical exam. This seems like a set backwards for sports safety. Is this a national trend? Does your organization have any suggestions or examples of how other youth organizations have dealt with this loss of service?

I think if there were more docs involved they would begin to protest the over playing-over using situations. Do any towns mandate docs to oversee the programs?

My name is Erin Mirabella. I am a two time Olympian in track cycling, and have battled several overuse injuries over the years. The most effective treatment I've found is Active Release Technique. Prior to both the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, Active Release Technique was what I relied on to stay healthy. My husband was a Greco Roman wrestler training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. After his second shoulder surgery he completed very vigorous rehab at the Olympic Training Center, yet after a year he still didn't have his range of motion back. He then discovered Active Release. After just one treatment he noticed a huge improvement in range of motion. After several treatments his range of motion was back to normal. He was so impressed with Active Release Technique that after he retired from wrestling he became a chiropractor who specializes in the technique.

Below is some information about the technique from the Active Release website. For more information visit www.activerelease.com. On the activerelease.com website you can search for a certified provider near you. My husband, Dr. Chris Mirabella, also has information on his website. www.tellercountychiropractic.com

What is Active Release Technique (ART)?

ART is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system that treats problems
with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches,
back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica,
plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the
many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART.
These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often
a result of overused muscles.

How do overuse conditions occur?

Overuse of a muscle can occur from sporting activities, work related
activities, accidents and other kinds of trauma.

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

* acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc.)
* accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
* not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar
tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues
that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter
and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become
trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain.
If a nerve is trapped, you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.

What is an ART treatment like?

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment.
The provider uses his/her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and
movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal
tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific
patient movements.

These treatment protocols- over 500 specific moves- are unique to ART.

I hope this helps some of you struggling to find solutions to overuse injuries.

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