Salem Chiropractic

Okay, as a chiropractor I continue to advise my patients, young and old alike, that routine exercise is a vital component to good health. And, since one in three children in the US is either overweight or obese, it’s apparent that getting enough exercise is becoming a national crisis. That said, exercise, especially when it involves sports activities, should be engaged in with the utmost caution. And, not just for the middle-aged “weekend warrior,” but for children as well. In fact, here’s a shocking statistic regarding kids and the “great American pastime”: According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2008, nearly 200,000 children aged 14 and younger, were treated in hospitals, doctor’s offices and emergency rooms for baseball-related injuries.

Why do so many injuries occur? Well, for thing, young athletes today are taking on the kind of intense fitness regimen that can lead to overworked limbs, and overworked limbs, particularly arms overworked from repetitive throwing, can result in injury. In this case, it the old saying “it isn’t whether you win or lose but how you play the game,” couldn’t be more true and truer still is how you practice “pre-game.” Coaches and parents need to advise their young baseball players to not only practice proper form, but to avoid over-exertion. And, kids need to step up and let the coach or a parent know when they’ve had “enough” practice for one day.

The  American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends the following tips, which we, chiropractors, fully support:

• Always take time to warm up and stretch before and after play. Research studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury, specifically:

• If a child is pitching, he should concentrate on stretching his arm, shoulder and back muscles.

• If a child is catching, the focus should be on the legs and back.

• Children should not be encouraged to play through pain. It is important that they take breaks.

• Limit the number of teams on which your child is playing in one season. Kids who play on more than one team are especially at risk for overuse injuries.

• Wear a batting helmet at the plate, in the “on deck” circle waiting for your turn at bat, and during base running.

• Coaches must teach and allow practice of proper sliding techniques before using a bag, including breakaway bases. Players younger than 10 should not be taught to slide.

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