13 lessons from Musculo skeletal screenings

Having conducted over 80 musculo skeletal screenings with athletes from a huge variety of sports in the last year with a physiotherapist it is time to offer some reflections.
Establishing a rapport is key for the screening to go well, and I would say that in all but 2 of them, we have managed between us to do that.

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How to reduce the risk of ACL injury for females.

ACL injury

“Female athletes have a 4-6 times higher incidence of ACL injury than do male athletes participating in the same landing and pivoting sports” (1)

Why are Females at Higher Risk of ACL Injury?

 

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can have a direct effect on neuro-muscular performance.

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Athlete screening: Reduce injury risk and improve performance

What is athlete screening ?

sports physiotherapy devonThe screening of an athlete is used to identify the current musculo-skeletal condition of that individual. If carried out initially during the pre-season period, it can provide a set of baseline values for the athlete’s data base or personal physical profile.

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Books of 2013

One of my goals in 2013 was to read 40 books this year.

jonathan strange and mr norrell reviewWhilst this may seem modest to some, it is in conjunction with working, looking after my family, trying to stay fit and also doing 6 MOOCs.

I have managed so far to read 43. Some of them have been very weighty tomes: Cureton’s encyclopedia of physical education, fitness and sports and Doherty’s track and field omnibook for example.

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Advice to young coaches: break the mirrors

schwarzeneggerI was someone who literally spent his life in front of mirrors, practicing poses, working on the biceps or the triceps, always checking the mirror for progress.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in his autobiography “Total Recall” talks about being inspired by his Father-in Law Serge Shriver who gave this speech to Yale graduates in 1994.

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Summer reading list for Coaches

What books are you reading this summer?

It seems to be the time to read more books, not sure whether that is due to rubbish tv, more people on holiday, or less email traffic. Here are some of mine.

“How to help Children find the Champion within themselves”. David Hemery

 This is a great little book, easy to read, but with valuable insights into coaching young people. A must read for the enthusiastic parent, or coach of yongsters.

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