Do kids play their sport year-round? It could be why they’re injured.
Nearly half of all sports-related injuries to middle and high school student-athletes are a result of overuse. Why? Young athletes these days participate in sports year-round and on multiple teams, both of which are risk factors for overuse injuries. As Tennessee schools transition to winter sports basketball and wrestling, parents should be aware of the signs of overuse.
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Some tips to help avoid overuse:
- Allow for one to two days per week for bodies to rest.
- Schedule breaks from training and competition every two to three months while focusing on other activities and cross-training to prevent loss of skill or conditioning.
- Teach your children to be in tune with their bodies for cues to slow down or alter training methods.
- Keep them well hydrated. Dehydration leads to fatigue and increased chance of injury.
Find a pediatric sports medicine specialist at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Pre-concussion baseline testing is like a pre-season physical of the brain. The test enables medical professionals to record an athlete’s normal neurological state to aid in future treatment if an athlete sustains a concussion. Vanderbilt offers baseline testing in Nashville, Franklin and Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Call the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center hotline at 615-875-VSCC to schedule an appointment.
