Sports Injuries Prevention

How do injuries occur? ~ Lack of education and awareness about safety precautions and potential injury ~ Inappropriate gear ~Improper or lack of conditioning ~Insufficient warm up ~Going beyond your limits. LISTEN to your body ~Continuing to play with an injury/Returning too soon ~ Disrespectful Play

Acute vs. Chronic Acute - occur suddenly Chronic – repetitive, overuse

How to know you have an injury Signs of Acute injuries Sudden, severe pain Swelling Extreme tenderness Deformity Weakness Decrease in range of motion Signs of Chronic injuries Pain when performing A dull ache when at rest Swelling ~

Preventing injuries ~ Environment ~ Taking time off from the sport ~Conditioning ~Equipment

Preventing injuries cont. ~Using proper techniques ~Stop if feeling pain ~Hydrating properly ~Getting adequate sleep

Treatment Rest Ice Compression Elevation  Sprain  Contusion  Fracture  Concussion

Trends influencing injury rates…  Specialization  Year round availability  Cost of college  Television  Extreme Sports

Factors affecting injury types Age Sport Gender Equipment

Special considerations for adolescents ~ Developing coordination ~ Difference in size at same age ~Osgood Schlatter ~Sever’s Disease Special Concerns for Females ~ACL injury rates ~Concussion susceptibility