Doggies - JULY 2015.pdf

Taking Care OfThe AFL Body!Keeping Your Kids On The Footy Pitch!When children play sports their bodies are asked to do things in all different directions, different speeds,different ranges and different planes. To help their bodies to stay healthy during the sporting season there are2 key things, that although may seem minor, can make a huge difference to their performance on game day!Drink Up - Hydration optimisation is a key factorto player performance. Not enough fluid and a playerwill be dehydrated leading to cramping, fatigue andimpaired concentration. Too much and the playerwill feel bloated, heavy and even sick. To best storeglycogen and hydrate drink a comfortable amountof fluid with each meal in the 24 hours leading uptothe game. Getting the lead up to the game right isfar more effective than skulling litres of water on theway to the ground.Stretch - Dynamic stretching, running preparationdrills and skills drills are the best way to warm up.This gears the players brain to the motion availablein a body segment, enhancing movement efficiencythus reducing the risk of injury.Screening or assessment from a health professionalcan give you insight into which areas you need tofocus your attention on and when between games, orin the off season is best to tackle these problems.Common Sports Injuries in Children and AdolescentsStress fractures are more common in childrenthan adults due to the immaturity of their skeletons.These occur when the stress applied to the boneexceeds the tissues tolerance and the body’s abilityto remodel and adapt. The most common sites ofthese fractures are in the shin (tibia) and lowerback (lumbar spine). Successful managementof these injuries requires analysis to determinethe contributing factors behind the injury eg.biomechanics, training loads, diet, footwear ortechnique. They always require a period of rest ordetraining, then an appropriately staged return tosport and exercise program.Fractures or broken bones are the othermajor common injury to children and adolescentathletes. Apart from being painful and disablingthese injuries, if involving the growth plate, can affectthe limbs ability to grow normally leaving childrenwith permanent impairment. Assessment by ahealth professional and obtaining all the appropriateinvestigations is critical when a fracture is suspected.Traction apophysitis is another overuse injuryin children which affects the area of bone where atendon attaches. Examples of these are at the top ofthe shin (os good schlatters), heel (severes disease)and inner elbow (little leaguers elbow). Again themanagement of these injuries requires considerationof biomechanics, rest and staged and progressivere-introduction into sport with careful considerationof injury markers. Taping, orthotics and correctivebraces can also help.20