Youth Sports Wellness
RIDGEFIELD ATHLETE PROJECT
SPORTS PROGRAM
Greg Herzog of OSTEOPATHIC FITNESS® has designed a Ridgefield Sports ACL INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM to help reduce injuries caused by weakness or imbalances to boys and girls in Ridgefield Middle School and High School Sports.
Like many Ridgefield teenager athletes deeply involved in sports, Ridgefield Sports players travel like professional athletes in their early teens.
It is not uncommon that a team with 18 players can suffer up to eight A.C.L. tears- eight during high-school years: or chronic ankle problems.
ACL Injury Prevention Program
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The A.C.L. is a small, rubber-band-like fiber, no bigger than a little finger that attaches to the femur in the upper leg and the tibia in the lower leg and stabilizes the knee. When it ruptures, the reconstructive surgery is complicated and the rehabilitation painful and long. It usually takes six to nine months to return to competition, even for professional athletes.
“Just because a kid is good at a sport does not mean he or she has the foundational strength or movement patterns to stand up to constant play” Mr. Herzog says. What I’d like to be able to say is: “Before you engage in a sport like lacrosse, I am going to teach you how to move. And I am going to give you strength.”
Herzog’s Ridgefield Sports program has direct parallels with the research focused on biomechanics (the way athletes move) in no small part because gait patterns can be modified, unlike anatomical characteristics like wider hips.
Herzog points out that in his empirical research, boys and girls athletes have insufficient core muscle strength, balance or overall coordination to play safely. Their movement patterns put their knees and probably their ankles, hips and backs at risk.
One goal is to strengthen abdominal muscles, which help set the whole body in protective athletic positions, and to improve balance through a series of plyometric exercises forward, backward and lateral hops.
Greg stresses the importance of training boys and girls athletes as young as possible, by their early teens or even younger. “Once something is learned neurally, it is never unlearned,” he says. “It never leaves you.”
That’s mostly good. It’s why motor skills are retained even after serious injuries. But ways of moving are also ingrained, which makes retraining more difficult with the older athletes. The younger girls are more like blank slates. They’re easier to work with.
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Call today for free transformation session 203-240-4020.
383 Main Street, Ridgefield CT, 06877
Serving Ridgefield, Wilton, Redding, New Canaan, North Salem NY, South Salem NY, Lewisboro NY, Pound Ridge NY.
Herzog Body Tech LLC
OSTEOPATHIC FITNESS® Youth sports wellness is a comprehensive approach to promoting the health and well-being of children and adolescents participating in sports activities. It focuses on ensuring that young athletes not only perform well but also stay safe, enjoy their sports experience, and develop lifelong healthy habits. Here are some key aspects of OSTEOPATHIC FITNESS® youth sports wellness:
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OSTEOPATHIC FITNESS® Physical Fitness and Conditioning:
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Ensuring that young athletes are physically prepared for their sport through appropriate conditioning, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
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OSTEOPATHIC FITNESS® Nutrition:
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Educating young athletes and their families about the importance of proper nutrition to support their physical growth, energy levels, and recovery.
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OSTEOPATHIC FITNESS® Injury Prevention:
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Implementing strategies to reduce the risk of sports-related injuries, such as proper warm-up and cool-down routines, equipment safety, and injury awareness.
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OSTEOPATHIC FITNESS® Mental Health and Stress Management:
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Addressing the psychological well-being of young athletes by providing tools to manage performance pressure and stress, promoting resilience, and addressing mental health issues when needed.
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Rest and Recovery:
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Encouraging adequate rest and recovery periods to prevent overtraining and burnout. Young athletes need sufficient sleep and time for relaxation.
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Safe Training Environments:
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Ensuring that practice and game facilities are safe, properly maintained, and free from hazards.
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Age-Appropriate Training:
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Tailoring training programs to the developmental stage of young athletes to avoid overloading their growing bodies.
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Hydration:
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Promoting proper hydration, especially during physical activities, to prevent dehydration and overheating.
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Sport-Specific Education:
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Providing age-appropriate training and education on the specific rules, techniques, and strategies for the chosen sport.
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Parent and Coach Education:
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Educating parents and coaches about youth sports wellness principles, including the importance of a supportive and positive sports environment.
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Regular Health Checkups:
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Encouraging young athletes to have regular medical checkups to monitor their overall health and address any potential issues.
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Skill Development and Fun:
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Focusing on skill development, teamwork, and the enjoyment of the sport, rather than solely on competition and winning.
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Inclusion and Fair Play:
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Promoting inclusivity, diversity, and the values of fair play and sportsmanship.
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Injury Response and Rehabilitation:
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Having a plan in place for responding to injuries, providing immediate care, and guiding rehabilitation when needed.
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Balancing Sports and Academic Commitments:
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Encouraging a balance between sports and academic responsibilities to avoid excessive stress and overcommitment.
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OSTEOPATHIC FITNESS® Youth sports wellness requires collaboration among parents, coaches, healthcare professionals, and athletes themselves to create a holistic approach to youth sports that prioritizes well-being alongside athletic performance. OSTEOPATHIC FITNESS® goal is to help young athletes develop a lifelong love for sports and a foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
