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Physical Therapy for the Injured Athlete: An Introduction

First in a series of articles designed to educate parents on the ins and outs of the physical therapy process and decrease parental anxiety, some of which results from a fear of the unknown and/or frustration about not knowing what physical therapy is all about.

Physical Therapy: Parents Play Important Role

Physical therapist Patricia Ladis says parents of an injured athlete play an important role in their child's physical therapy, at least at the start.

Unless your child has been to physical therapy for an injury before, you may not know what to think or expect as a parent. The purpose of therapy is to get your child back to doing what they love. Unfortunately, depending on the severity of their injury, recovery can take anywhere from a few days to as long as several months.

After Concussion: Physical and Mental Rest Keys to Recovery

After a sports concussion physical and mental (e.g. cognitive) rest are keys to recovery, says Dr. William P. Meehan, which means no video games, homework, or other activities that tax the brain and force it to work extra hard.

 

Factors in Return To Play Decision After Concussion

When it is safe for a youth or high school athlete to return to play contact or collision sports after symptoms of concussion clear depends on many factors, says Dr. William Meehan, including the athlete's age, baseline test data, time symptoms take to clear and severity, and concussion history.

 

Concussion Safety Laws in Place In Majority of States

Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia have passed strong youth sports concussion safety laws since May 2009.  Of the remaining nineteen states, three have passed weak concussion safety laws, ten are considering laws, and six have no concussion bills pending.  

Heat Cramps Symptoms and Treatment

Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness, do not usually require medical attention, usually occur during or after exercise and affect only the specific muscles exercised.

No Same Day Return To Play After Concussion

The most recent international consensus of concussion experts is that a young athlete with diagnosed concussion should not be allowed to return to play on the day of injury, regardless of the medical resources available and regardless of the level of athletic performance (in other words, even for an "elite" athlete).

High School and Pop Warner Football: Preventing Concussion, Serious Injury Or Death

Preventing serious injury (concussion, traumatic brain injury, spinal paralysis) or death in high school and Pop Warner football; advice from the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Researc on football safety

Ice-Water Immersion Best for Treating Heat Stroke

Immersion in an ice-water bath is the best way to treat athletes suffering exertional heat stroke say the authors of a 2009 study in the Journal of Athletic Training and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Hydration During Winter Sports: Just As Essential As In Summer

Frostbite and hypothermia aren't the only health hazards associated with winter sports.  Cold weather studies at the University of New Hampshire show increased risk for dehydration, a condition more commonly associated with hot weather. The reason, says Robert Kenefick, UNH associate professor of kinesiology, is that, "People just don't feel as thirsty when the weather is cold, and when they don't feel thirsty, they don't drink as much, and this can cause dehydration."  Kenefick offers the same advice he tenders during the heat. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks, especially when exercising or working outdoors.
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