iStock 1299085386
| |

Tips for staying healthy during high school football season

by Matt Midkiff PT, DPT,CSCS Gilbert Mesa Director of Sports Medicine Arizona Arsenal SC

The transition from club to high school football and back to club is one of the most physically taxing times for our high school students. Staying healthy during high school football season is crucial to doing your best on the field and minimizing the risk of injury.

soccer injury

Year over year we see more injuries in this time frame due in large part to overuse with longer practice time in November and also a greater number of games in a shorter amount of time during the high school season.

These injuries range from ACL injuries and ankle sprains to much less significant joint tendon pain.

3 tips to minimize injuries

There are several simple but important things players can do to minimize injuries and do their best to stay healthy during the high school football season.

#1 Prioritize recovery. As practice times and game demands increase, it is so essential that our athletes get adequate sleep (at least 8 hours), eat regularly, meet their macronutrient needs, and continually hydrate. With less time for recovery, managing the recovery process is essential.

FH BFR Recovery Blog 2

#2 Work on mobility and flexibility. Overworked muscles become sore and tight, and muscles that maintain good flexibility and length are less likely to suffer from overuse injuries. It is essential to follow a mobility and flexibility program.

0J1A8582

#3 Work on functional strength. This is difficult due to the reduced time off, but maintaining lower body and core strength throughout the season is a win for injury prevention. Due to the reduced time and fatigue, muscle strengthening exercises are often neglected. Although maximum strengthening should not be performed during this time, it is incredibly important to take 20 minutes twice a week to do single leg strengthening and core exercises to reduce injuries.

Stay tuned for more posts with a sample mobility program and a sample functional strengthening program that can easily be completed at home in 20 to 30 minutes during the high school season.

Success equals staying on the field

As always, athletes cannot be successful for their team if they are not available to be on the field. Injuries can deprive the athlete of time to do what they love, which can be extensive if the injury is severe. It is so important that our athletes take care of their bodies during the most stressful time of the year so that they have the best chance to stay healthy, perform for the high school team and come back even more vital for the second half of the club season . .

Do you need physiotherapy due to a football injury? A licensed physical therapist from Foothills Sports Medicine can assess the problem with a free injury assessment and develop a treatment plan to prevent future serious damage. Request an appointment at one of our Valley-wide locations. We’re ready to get you back on the field and show you how to prevent future injuries.

Source link

Similar Posts

  • Smart Devices for Knee Pain Management | Relief Tech

    Knee pain can be a debilitating condition that affects individuals of all ages. Whether it is caused by injuries, arthritis, or chronic conditions, finding effective relief and support is essential. Fortunately, there are now smart devices available specifically designed to manage knee pain. These devices offer innovative features and technology to help alleviate pain and…

  • Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats for Knee Pain Relief

    Are you searching for a way to relieve knee pain during your yoga practice? Look no further than eco-friendly yoga mats. These mats are not only good for the environment but also provide sustainable support and promote joint health. Made from non-toxic materials, they are gentle on the knees, making them ideal for individuals with…

  • Knee Pain Climbing Stairs? Causes And Relief Tips

    If walking around on flat surfaces feels fine but your knees start to ache as soon as you start climbing stairs, you might be wondering what’s going on. While your knees are designed to withstand a lot of pressure, stepping onto a staircase engages different muscles and makes you move at an angle while working…

  • |

    Best knee scooter post-surgery

    Is hopping around on one leg or battling clumsy crutches the only way to get through recovery after a foot or ankle procedure? For many, traditional crutches are a source of frustration and fatigue. They demand considerable arm strength and often lead to instability. This can make you feel trapped and dependent on others. best knee scooter post-surgery There is a more comfortable and popular solution. Studies show that 90 percent of patients prefer using a knee scooter over crutches during their healing period. Occupational therapists highlight a key benefit: these aids keep your injured foot correctly elevated and non-weight bearing. This proper positioning is vital for a smooth recovery. We’ve done the research for you. Our analysis of the current market identifies devices that provide superior mobility and comfort compared to old-fashioned methods. Selecting the right walker helps you maintain your independence. It allows for safer movement around your home and community. A sturdy, well-designed walker is a much more stable alternative to risky hopping. Our expert-driven guide reviews the leading models available. The goal is to help you find reliable equipment that protects your leg while letting you continue with daily life. Key Takeaways The vast majority of patients prefer knee scooters to traditional crutches for recovery. These devices properly elevate the leg, which is essential for non-weight bearing healing. They promote greater independence and reduce reliance on others during your recovery. Choosing a high-quality model significantly improves safety and overall comfort. Our guide provides an expert analysis of the top mobility aids on the market today. A stable walker minimizes the risk of falls and accidental weight-bearing. Informed selection helps you navigate your environment with confidence and ease. Understanding Knee Scooters in Post-Surgery Recovery Patients seeking a stable alternative to crutches frequently turn to rolling walkers with a knee platform. This device, often called a knee scooter or knee walker, has two to five wheels and a padded rest for your leg. It is designed to keep your injured foot correctly elevated. This positioning is completely non-weight bearing, which is vital for healing. Unlike traditional crutches, a knee walker does not demand much arm strength. You simply rest your leg on the cushioned platform and propel yourself forward. This reduces physical exertion dramatically during daily movement. Occupational therapists note an overwhelming patient preference for this mobility aid. We have found that nearly 90 percent of users prefer it over other options. The design helps prevent reinjury caused by balance struggles. Feature Knee Scooter/Walker Traditional Crutches Weight-Bearing Non-weight bearing, leg elevated Partial weight on arms and shoulders Upper Body Strain Minimal; uses leg for support High; requires arm strength Hands-Free Operation Yes; handlebars for steering No; hands occupied Stability on Flat Surfaces Very stable with multiple wheels Less stable; two points of contact Risk of Reinjury Low; proper leg positioning Higher; balance challenges These devices are essential for maintaining independence. They allow you to perform household tasks while your injury heals. By keeping your hands free, a knee scooter lets you carry items and engage in daily life more effectively. Benefits of Using Knee Scooters Over Crutches The journey to regain mobility after surgery doesn’t have to be a struggle against discomfort and instability. While traditional crutches are less expensive, they frequently cause pain and balance issues for active individuals. A knee walker provides a stable base for movement. It allows you to navigate both indoors and outdoors without the constant fatigue linked to crutches. benefits of knee scooter over crutches Occupational therapists emphasize that a knee scooter is a superior choice if you lack upper body strength. Using this device greatly lowers your chance of a fall compared to balancing on underarm crutches. These aids offer a level of freedom that lets you spend time outside. This activity is proven to speed up the healing process. Choosing the right knee walker ensures you can maintain your daily routine. You avoid the physical limits imposed by standard crutches. A quality knee scooter supports your injured leg correctly, promoting safer recovery….

  • Knee Popping Up Stairs: Causes and Solutions

    Knee popping up stairs is a common concern for many individuals. It can be accompanied by knee pain and clicking sounds while walking upstairs or squatting. This article will explore the causes of knee popping on stairs and provide effective strategies to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility. Key Takeaways: Knee popping up stairs can be…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *