Overuse Injuries are becoming too common place in youth athletics- With the growth of youth sports in America, overuse injuries in our young athletes is becoming common. Overuse injuries occur when a tissue is injured due to repetitive submaximal loading. Recent data shows that approximately 30% - 50% of all youth sports injuries are due to overuse. Athletes that suffered overuse injuries lost 54% more time from training than those with acute injuries.

Several factors can lead to these types of injuries

• Growth
• Prior Injury
• Inadequate Conditioning
• Inadequate Rest
• Inappropriate Equipment / Poor Instruction

There are proven ways to prevent overuse injuries:

• Prior to sports participation, young athletes should be evaluated by a sports medicine physician to identify medical problems and musculoskeletal deficits
• Parents should be educated about the benefits and risks of competitive sports and should understand the importance of general fitness for the young athlete
• Athletes should participate in a year-round conditioning program to enhance fitness, strength, and flexibility. Ideally, the program should vary in volume and intensity throughout the year and meet the specific needs of the athlete
• The nutritional status of young athletes should be monitored the ensure diets are adequate
• Youth sport coaches should participate in educational programs to learn more about conditioning, sport skills, safety rules, equipment, the psychology of children, and the physiology of growth and development. Coaches should support and encourage all children to participate but should not excessively pressure them to perform at a level beyond their capabilities.
• Young athletes should be encouraged to participate in a variety of sports and activities.

Fast Forward’s Conditioning programs, with a focus on strength, range-of-motion exercises, and flexibility assist in preventing our young athletes from falling victim to overuse injuries, will assist in the rehabilitation for those that have previously suffered such injuries, and avoiding re-injury.