
Feature/General
Sports Injury Q&A
March 2005
While we at Athens Parent hope
this issue has enticed you to explore the many wonderful sporting
opportunities available in
the community,
we realize you may need additional information in deciding
what's best for your own child. According to Sophia Waters, physical
therapist and clinical director of Oconee Physical Therapy
and
Sports Rehabilitation, the following are some of the most frequently
asked questions by parents concerned about the safety and appropriateness
of certain sports.
Q: How young can children play tackle football with equipment?
A: Parents are often worried about the injuries that can occur
during tackle football. According to Dr. William Mulherin of
Athens Orthopedic Clinic, "children can play football with appropriate
equipment at the age of 6 years old." The problem, he states,
is "when there are players of multiple ages and sizes playing
together." People that are larger generate more force with the
impact of a tackle, because they are stronger and bigger. When
the sizes and strengths of the players are significantly different,
it increases the probability of an injury.
Q: When can my child throw breaking balls in little league?
A: Throwing breaking balls requires significant rotational force
on the arm muscles and bones. Dr. Robert Hancock of Athens Orthopedic
Clinic suggests that "at about 15 years of age is an appropriate
time to start thinking about working with breaking pitches."
He cites a report by the USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory
Committee that recommends, "Pitchers should not throw breaking
pitches (curveballs, sliders, etc.) in competition until their
bones have matured (indicated by puberty)... In order to succeed,
a youth pitcher should focus on good mechanics, a fast fastball,
a good change-up, and good control." www.usabaseball.com/med_position_statement.html)
Q: What is cross training?
A: Cross training is an important
concept when developing an exercise program. Cross training involves
two or more types of exercise
in the same or consecutive exercise sessions. There are 5 general
types of exercise for cross-training programs: aerobic fitness,
anaerobic fitness, muscle strength, muscle endurance and flexibility.
Mixing different kinds of training adds variety and maintains
interest in exercise as well as emphasizes the entire body energy
systems such as aerobic vs. anaerobic. One of the most important
reasons for cross training is minimizing the risk of injury by
distributing the exercise load to various parts of the body.
(The Physician and Sportsmedicine, Vol24, No9, Sept 96.)
Q: Is it safe for my child to participate in weight lifting?
A: There are many strengthening
exercises such as push-ups, crunches, and chin-ups that can be
used in younger children to work on
strength and coordination. Dr. Mixon Robinson suggests use of
these exercises for younger children and prefers that weight
lifting be initiated around 13 years of age. It is always important
for children to have a pre-participation physical prior to participating
in strength or athletic activities. (ACSM, "Youth Strength training,"
March 1998; "Strength training in Children and Adolescents," Sept
2002, www.ascm.org; "Strength Training by Children and Adolescents,"
Pediatrics, 2001; Vol. 107 No. 6)
Q: When do I use heat and ice?
A: After an injury, always use ice for the first 24-48 hours to
help minimize pain and swelling. Continue to use ice as long
as swelling exists. In general, you can use heat when you are
experiencing muscular tightness, but use ice if you feel like
you have inflamed the area. Ice should be applied for 10-15 minutes.
Q: Are high-tops, braces and taping effective in minimizing ankle
sprains?
A: Many studies have shown that high-top shoes, bracing and/or
taping ankles for athletic activities provides protection from
ankle sprains. This is very important for athletes that have a
history of ankle sprains. In addition to the extra support, athletes
with a history of ankle sprains need to work on ankle strengthening
and balance/coordination exercises.
Sophia R. Waters, MS, PT is a physical therapist and clinical
director of Oconee Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation.
Please email any questions to sophia@oconeept.com.
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