Important message from Josh B Frank , MD.
Coastal Orthopaedics
OrthoConnecticut
SPORTS PREPARATION
As we are all anxiously awaiting the end of 2020 and this dreadful pandemic, we look forward to 2021. While no one thinks it will be a light switch, most of us, are expecting to return to some resemblance of normal as the winter ends and we head towards better weather in the spring and summer. While the colder weather, current resurgence of Covid-19 and the potential of further lockdowns has put us back in our shells, the news of a vaccine and a potential end to this historic time gives us hope.
As I have learned over the many years of my career in sports medicine, and as we have seen over and over again in professional sports, a sudden changes in activity can greatly increase the risk of injury. This holds true with all types of athletes no matter the age or level of competition. Every year, I see countless young athletes who don’t properly prepare for their sports season. The coaches do their job of trying to get athletes ready for the season as fast as they can given the time constraints that exist. This can be a recipe for disaster. I explain to these young athletes the importance of proper preparation. You should come into a season already prepared to play. Pre-season should be fine tuning for an athlete, not a couch to 5k situation.
The current scenario that our young athletes have been subjected to is exactly what leads to injury. Seasons canceled, no supervised training, no group congregation, no organized sports, home schooling, lockdowns, less access to gyms and training facilities…these are the factors that prevent proper preparation for upcoming seasons. These are the factors that lead to injury.
As it is all of our hope, perhaps a vaccine and the change in weather will allow the return of sports in the spring. Thus, I encourage all athletes, parents of athletes, coaches and trainers to use this time wisely. Obviously our safety, health and prevention of the spread of Covid-19 are of utmost importance. If able to be performed in a safe manner, it would behoove us all to prepare for the return of sports. The last thing any of us want is an injury to take away a season once we are finally allowed to participate in our desired activities. Whether team, individual, indoor or outdoor activities, we must prepare. Don’t let complacence lead to injury. Use this time to perfect your skill, work on conditioning, learn new training or exercise techniques, improve form and mechanics, cross-train, learn proper pelvic and core exercises, and improve flexibility. Protect yourself, not just from Covid-19, but from the consequences of inactivity that many of us have experienced.
Joshua B Frank, MD
Coastal Orthopaedics
OrthoConnecticut
Assistant Clinical Professor
NYU Langone Orthopaedics
761 Main Ave.
Suite 115, Building F
Norwalk, CT 06851
Phone: 203-845-2200
Fax: 203-229-0153
