What Came First the Athlete or the Injury?

The question of whether there is more sport related injuries in youth sports begs is similar to the which came first the chicken or the egg, or is the rooster crowing more?

Though in recent years there has been some decrease in sport participation for adolescents, overall 75% of children aged 5-17 participate in some form (Sports Participation 2010).  All sports bring with them a risk of injury, younger athletes tend to suffer traumatic injuries while those over the age of 13 tend to suffer more chronic overuse type injuries, (Pediatric Sports Injuries An Age Comparison of Children Versus Adolescents)

So what really came first?  Are there more young athletes or are the young athletes getting injured more?  If there are more athletes participating then it would be logical to assume that there would be more injuries.  However statistics do show that there has been a decrease in participation in certain sports, yet sports that did not exist in 90's are very popular today.  

However, the way sports are played has changed.  Many things that would be considered activities are now organized sports, ie. Ultimate Frisbee.  Sports are seen as a means to an end, school scholarships and professional contracts are the ultimate goal for many parents and athletes.  Due to this athletes are pushing and being pushed at a younger age.  Sport specialization and the formalization of youth sports has these young athletes performing more often and at higher intensities.  

One of the major changes in sport is the culture.  The "old school" thought was that if it wasn't broke you played.  Former athletes were taught to tape an Aspirin to it and keep playing, that playing through injuries no matter how severe was what made you strong.  Athletes are now taught to let their coaches, parents, teachers and athletic therapists know if they are injured.  This point alone could attest for the rise in injuries.  It may not be there is more occurring, it is just that there are more being reported.  

No matter the reasoning for the increase in sports injuries, they are occurring at a greater rate.  As a parent, coach, teacher, athletic therapist/trainer, and athletes we need to focus on injury prevention and proper management.  There needs to be a greater focus on player safety and overall wellness.  For our young athletes to truly get the best experience in sport, they need to be able to participate without fear of injury. 

For more information follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and our website at www.eliteinjury.com 

Beating the Heat the Safe Way

Even though back to school sales are starting in the stores, we still have at least a month of hot weather ahead of us.  Exercising and playing sports outside is a right of passage for many of us during the summer.  However there are some key points everyone needs to know to help prevent heat related illness.  

When planning an activity outside, try to plan it before 11 am and after 4 pm as the suns UV rays are at the highest at this time.  Drink 2-4 glasses of water every hour that you are outside.  Hydrate prior to and after any activity outside.  Even the what may seem like a simple activity can cause heat illness.  Take frequent breaks, if unable to go inside, find a shady, cool area to do so.  The type of clothing is important as well.  Wearing a wide brimmed hat and light weight and light coloured clothing is recommended.  A minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen is recommended and needs to be reapplied regularly especially if you are sweating or in the water.  

Part of prevention is also knowing the signs and symptoms of heat illness, so that if your or someone around you starts to experience any, you can act swiftly and safely.  

The most mild form of heat illness are heat cramps, which are brought on by exertion in heat.  They are characterized by pain and muscle contraction that continues even after exercise.  Treatment consists of rehydration with a sodium based liquid and gentle stretching.  

Heat exhaustion is a moderate heat illness.  Signs and symptoms include loss of coordination, dizziness, possible fainting, profuse sweating and pale skin, headache, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps and persistent muscle cramping.  Removal from activity immediately and being taken to a shady place and rehydration with water.  

Heat stroke is a severe and serious medical situation,  Core body temperature of greater than 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit.  Altered conciousness including confusion, irritability, and decreased mental acuity.  Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and weakness are also present.  Increased heart rate, dehydration, and decreased blood pressure are some of the more extreme symptoms.  It is imperative to deal with anyone exhibiting these symptoms quickly.  The whole body should be cooled immediately, transport to an emergency room should be done quickly and under the guidance of trained personnel such as EMS.

Heat illness needs to be taken very seriously as the consequences of miss handling can be tragic.  Heat acclimation is important, gradually build up your tolerance to heat and humidity.  Young children and seniors are more prone to suffer heat illness, these populations should be closely monitored for the signs of heat illness.  

Have fun and enjoy your summer safely.

For more information on health and safety follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt 

Sources used for this article. 

National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) offers Tips for Exercising Safely in the Heat

 Heat Related Illness - BC Health Link 

Athletic Therapist Spotlight - Kim Schneider

Here is our final spotlight for National Athletic Therapy Month. 

Name: Kim Schneider 

Job: Athletic Therapist with The Edmonton Wildcats Football Club and Mentor Therapist for the Sherwood Park Kings Athletic Club (hockey)

Education Background: I have a Bachelor of Physical Education with a specialization in Sports Performance from the University of Alberta as well as an Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy from Mount Royal College.

What is a typical day for you:  A typical practice day with the Wildcats consists of arriving at the clubhouse 1.5 hours before practice starts to get everyone prepared and taped up. We are there for 30-45 min after practice to assess anything that may have happened at practice. On game day, we get to the field 2.5 hours before the game as we need to have everyone ready and taped up in time for warm ups. We are usually there for 45 min after a game to assess any new injuries or have our team doctor assess injuries that do not seem to be responding to our treatments. For hockey, I will typically get to the rink 1-1.5 hours prior to the game to prep the athletes and to prepare the bench with water bottles, towels, etc. I am basically the equipment manager too! For both sports, game day is a 5-6 hour commitment. 

Favourite part of job: My favourite part of the job is seeing my athletes eyes light up and the smile that comes across their face when I tell them that they are able to play again after an injury. I also enjoy the camaraderie of being a part of a team. 

Why did you become an AT: I became an AT because I like helping people and I love sports. I put the two together and found a fantastic job!

Highlight of Career: The highlight of my career thus far would have to be winning the 2013 Western Canadian Challenge Cup with the U16 boys Team Alberta Hockey as the Head Athletic Therapist. Representing our province is a privilege that not everyone gets to do and to do that while bringing home the gold was an experience that I will never forget!

Follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website Elite Injury Management 

Athletic Therapist Spotlight - Nicole Lemke

Name: Nicole Lemke

Job: Athletic Therapist for Football Alberta

Education background: Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta, Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy from Mount Royal College and a Master of Science from the University of Alberta.  

What is your typical day: My typical day on the road with Football Alberta's U18 provincial team involves per-practice preparations, sideline coverage in the event of an injury and treatment time in a host clinic.  

What is your favourite part of your job: The favorite part of my job is always game day.  Being part of the team and sharing in their pre-game anxieties and post-game reactions.  

Why did you become an AT: I became an AT because I enjoy sports.  I was an active high school athlete and this gave me a great opportunity to stay involved in sport.  

What is the highlight of your career: Football Alberta takes a team to Maui, Hawaii each summer.  I have gone 8 times! It's a beautiful location and there's a lot to be said for working on a sideline that overlooks the ocean. 

Follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website www.eliteinjury.com  

Athletic Therapist Spotlight - Andrea Hanssen

This weeks Athletic Therapist spotlight is on Andrea Hanssen. 

Name: Andrea Hanssen

Job: Owner of Activa Sports Therapy Athletic therapist & Red Cross First Aid Instructor. 

Education Background:  Bachelors of Physical education from the University of Alberta & Mount Royal University Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy 

What is a typical day for you: During the school year I provide Athletic therapy services at a local high school and everyday can be very different.  The days go by fast doing assessments  and treatments for the students and staff,mostly the athletes that pick up injuries in football, Rugby or other school sports or activities. Other tasks that keep me busy are supervising and providing guidance in the fitness centre and assisting teachers as guest instructor of subjects such as first aid, athletic injury management, taping, nutrition and other topics.  Outside of the school you will most likely find me on the soccer pitch taking care of a variety of different levels from youth to professionals. 

Favorite part of job: Travelling is one of my passions and often times that is  a part of the job.  I have been fortunate that Athletic Therapy has taken me all over Canada, USA, Sweden, England, France and Spain. 

Why did you become an AT: I love sports and couldn't imagine doing anything else. I am happiest around a field or court, either on it playing or helping those that are. 

Highlight of Career:  There are so many great events to choose from, but one memorable moment that will always stick out in my mind is quite comical.  Dwayne Laing and I received a Red Card from the Ref (as Therapists) during a professional soccer game while on the field assisting an injured player. Apparently the he had not waved us on, however the fourth official did signal us to enter the field.  We had to leave the game. 

Follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and our website at www.eliteinjury.com 

SCORE - Saving & Creating Better Athletes

Today is the official launch of our SCORE - Saving and Creating Better Athletes - program.   This program has been designed to give all school athletes tools to help them succeed in all areas of their lives.  The goal of the SCORE program is to create athletes who are not only better prepared to participate in sport and excel but also create athletes who are able to reduce the risk of injury and deal with injury and emergency situations if they do occur.

The SCORE program consists of the following. 

First Aid & CPR Certification 

In the case of any emergency having someone present who is able to perform CPR and       administer life saving first aid can be the difference between life and death.  Having these skills is not only applicable to those in sport but is a great life skill.  Student athletes will be certified in CPR, AED and First Aid.

Injury Recognition 

The importance of having first aid and CPR is great, however without the knowledge of how to recognize common sports injuries those skills are not useful.  We offer numerous injury recognition seminars including concussion recognition. musculoskeletal injuries, anaphylactic    reactions, spinal injuries, heat illness and medical episodes such as cardiac arrest, diabetes, and asthma.  

Sport Taping & Strapping

If you want to learn unique and practical taping techniques for most common sports injuries.  Participants learn proper taping procedures, when to tape and when not to, taping versus bracing, as well as have the opportunity to practice different taping techniques for all parts of the body.

Education Seminars 

Seminars will increase athletes awareness of health and safety topics. Participants will gain knowledge on how to perform at peak levels as well as knowledge to use in everyday life.  Topics include nutrition, injury prevention, drugs in sport and mental training skills such as goal setting.

Student Trainer Course

For those students who wish to expand their knowledge of sports medicine or who are wanting to pursue a career in sports medicine this is the place to start.  This course is comprised of three parts: First Aid and CPR certification, Sport Taping and Strapping and our Managing Injuries—A Trainer’s  Responsibility.

 By creating an athlete that not only has the skills to compete on the playing field or gym, but who now has the knowledge as to how injury prevention and management plays a role in athletic success.  The SCORE program truly makes athletes - student athletes as it gives direct education applicable to sport that they can carry over into every day life.

Please follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website www.eliteinjury.com 

June is National Athletic Therapy Month

June is National Athletic Therapy Month, please see the press release from Sandy Jespersen, Executive Director of the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association (CATA)

National Athletic Therapy Month reminds us that we’re all athletes

While we usually think of sports when we talk about athletic activity, most Canadians engage in some form of physical activity every day. Whether it’s lifting an infant into a highchair, running for the bus, or bending to reach a fallen sock behind the dryer, we move and exert our bodies constantly. And sometimes we feel the pain from those movements.

That’s the idea behind National Athletic Therapy Month this June: an annual reminder that everyone can benefit from the expertise of Canada’s Certified Athletic Therapists. By declaring, “We are all athletes”, the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) hopes to educate Canadians who have sustained an injury to their muscles, bones, or joints that a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(C)) can help get them back to work and play.

 “While we’re primarily known for our role in helping athletes recover from injury faster and achieve peak performance, our skills can be used to help anyone with an injury,” said Richard DeMont, President of CATA. “Whether you’re a weekend golfer an avid gardener, or a busy soccer mom, moving without pain or discomfort is an important part of our overall health and well being.”

 Being able to translate the knowledge gained from years of treating elite athletes at the highest levels of competitive and professional sports into the needs of all Canadians makes the role of a Certified Athletic Therapist very valuable for injury recovery. 

 "For professional and elite athletes, the sporting arena is their workplace, and we treat workplace injuries,” said DeMont. “Whether that workplace is a playing field or an office tower makes no difference; we help get people back into their game.”

 From injury prevention to emergency care to rehabilitation, Certified Athletic Therapists are committed to assisting all of life’s athletes. 

For more information on Athletic Therapy or National Athletic Therapy month go to www.athletictherapy.org or www.aata.ca

We will be featuring local Edmonton area Athletic Therapists throughout the month to help you get to know your local ATs a little better.

Please follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website at www.eliteinjury.com for more information on Athletic Therapy and the services we offer. 

A Cog on the Wheel

I spent the past weekend at a conference where the speakers and attendees ranged from coaches to sport medicine physicians.  I gained lots of things from the weekend in regards to lower body injuries, what I gained the most was how each profession in the world of sports medicine is just a cog on the wheel. 

Our speakers included a registered massage therapist, registered dietician, physical therapist, physical therapist with a PhD and an athletic therapist with a PhD in sports medicine and biomechanics.  They all pointed out how each profession plays a role in all aspects of sports. 

 Though many of our professions overlap in terms of scope, we need to work together to as part of a team to help our athletes and patients achieve their success.  

Everyone from coaches, parents, teachers, exercise therapists, kinesiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, chiropractors, massage therapists, athletic therapists, physical therapists, and sport medicine physicians all are part of the athletes support team.  Remember all of our goals are the same, to keep the athletes playing and achieving their goals. 

Follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website at www.eliteinjury.com 

Becoming an Athletic Therapist

So you want to become an Athletic Therapist.  Congratulations and welcome to one of the most rewarding careers you can find. If you want more information than provided here please go to www.athletictherapy.org

The first step towards becoming a Certified Athletic Therapist is to attend an accredited institution. We have seven institutions in Canada.  University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Camosun College, Sheridan College and Concordia University all have degree programs in Athletic Therapy.  Mount Royal University offers a post degree certificate as well as a collaborative program with University of Regina, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge and Trinity Western University.  York University currently has probationary status. 

Upon completion of your education you will continue on the path of certification.  Before attempting the national certification exam you will need to have met the following requirements.  A valid CPR-HCP certification, completed a First Responder course, have your Supervisory Athletic Therapist (SAT) to approve your application and have completed 600 hours of both field and clinical work.  

The national exam consists of two parts.  The written exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions.  The oral-practical portion consists of both field and clinical components.  During the field exam you will face an urgent or non-urgent on field scenario, a sideline return to play scenario and a taping/support scenario.  The clinical component has to scenarios, injury assessment and rehabilitation.  The oral-practical exam is marked live by Certified Athletic Therapists.  

There are 6 domains of competencies that you will gain during your education and will need to demonstrate during your national exam.  

1. Prevention
2. Recognition and Evaluation 
3. Managing, Treatment and Disposition
4. Rehabilitation
5. Organization and Administration
6. Education and Counselling

Once you have completed all these steps you will receive one of the greatest pieces of mail stating you our now a Certified Athletic Therapist and get to use the professional designation of CAT(C).

Please follow us on Twitter @EliteInjuryMgmt and check out our website at www.eliteinjury.com