OTB Physical Therapy is a proud affiliate of STOP Sports Injuries (Sports Trauma & Overuse Prevention)
The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine created STOP Sports Injuries with the goal to decrease injuries in sports through education. This is the foundation of what Out of the Box Physical Therapy is built on, and we are thrilled to partake in stopping sports injuries!
What tools are used to determine if my child is at a higher risk for injury?
Great question! Our Doctors of Physical Therapy are highly trained to not only examine each muscle and joint for any red flags, but also have to best eye when watching athletes move in their activity. We also use objective measurement tools designed specifically for athletes such as the Functional Movement Screening System (FMS), Y-balance testing, single leg hop testing, vertical jump testing, and more!
All of these examination tools not only compare baselines scores to progress after treatment, but there are databases for comparison between age, gender, and sport to see how your child measures up to athletes their age.
This allows us to make a complete movement profile for each individual, target what needs improvement while continuing to highlight their strengths!
What causes some athletes to be at a higher risk than others?
Athletes begin specializing in sports at such a young age. This can cause movement imbalances and avoidance of specific movements. For example, rotational athletes such as baseball players, lacrosse players, hockey, field hockey, etc. are very strong rotating and swinging in one direction. Their non-dominant swing gets weaker and less coordinated as they progress in their sport. Over time, this can cause mobility restrictions which will have a negative effect on their dominant swing.
Focusing on flexibility and strength asymmetries will decrease your child's risk for injury while keeping them in the sports they love the most! Being a well rounded and versatile athlete will allow your child to adapt to any obstacle they encounter.
What else can help my child stay injury free?
So many factors can contribute to health, wellness and recovery. Here are some of Dr. Hanna & Dr. Jesse's Top Recovery Tips:
SLEEP: sleeping allows your body and your mind to recover from the previous day. This solidifies new movement patterns, coordination and strength gains. It allows muscles to rebuild properly, and nutrients flow throughout the body.
NUTRITION: fueling your body with the proper macro and micronutrients allow you to perform your best during your activity, while also optimizing your recovery while sleeping or on rest days.
REST DAYS: this can include "active rest days", which consist of an easy bike ride, walk or swim - a trip to the zoo or an active day at the park. Working out every day of the week can actually have a negative effect on performance. Resting allows for muscle recovery and nervous system recovery.
MOBILITY & ACCESSORY WORK: Focusing on mobilizing and stretching the major muscles used in your sport while also strengthening the accessory muscles that keep your joints healthy and body mechanics optimal is JUST AS IMPORTANT as practicing the sports itself.
WATER: need we say more? Nothing is a better supplement than water. Most sports drinks have too much sugar.
These are all pieces to a greater puzzle. Prioritizing only one of these factors leaves holes in our resiliency and health that can be filled with fatigue, mobility restrictions and injury.
Have more questions? Feel free to ask us!