Soccer: A "Heads Up" in Preventing Injuries
Vancouver, B.C. - It's official. Soccer is one of the fastest-growing team sports in the country. Over 702,000 amateur Canadian players confirmed its appeal as a great way to get their kicks last year, and -from tots to seniors- the registration numbers continue to grow at unprecedented rates. The reason? It's fast, it's fun, and it's an excellent way to stay fit.
It's also a common source of painful -sometimes serious- injuries among players. The good news, advises the B.C. Chiropractic Association, is that many types of injuries are not only treatable: they're predictable, and they're preventable.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR INJURY?
Dr. Colin McKay confirms that "Soccer injuries most frequently involve
the lower extremities, with neck and head trauma being an area of increasing
concern. Studies also reveal that player injuries vary among age groups…not
only the type of injury, but the severity."
The youngest players -those in the youth league- are least at risk, because they have less body mass, travel at slower speeds, and play less aggressively. Lack of judgment and technique are the more likely causes of bumps and bruises at this level of play.
Adolescents and teens are at increased risk through a combination of factors, including their own rapid, physical changes and greater body mass, faster playing speeds, and heightened competitiveness. Stress fractures, and "contact" injuries such as concussions and trauma to the spine, are common among this player group.
Young adults and those at the college and professional levels are likely to sustain frequent or chronic injuries due to the running nature of the game, with knee problems, ankle sprains and muscle strains being the most prevalent.
Disturbing among the teen and adult ranks are recent studies pointing to repeated "heading" of the ball, and multiple concussions caused by collisions, as sources of severe consequences - including diminished short term memory and information-processing skills, and permanent memory deficiencies.
Senior players often compensate for greater physical limitations in endurance, strength and flexibility, with technique and good judgment. Injuries incurred by this player group are more often the result of over training.
SO, HOW CAN YOU PREVENT INJURIES?
"As with any strenuous, physical activity," says Dr. McKay, "proper preparation
and technique are key for players of any age."
- Warm up thoroughly and stretch before the game. Cool down and stretch afterwards;
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water before and during any strenuous physical activity;
- Develop proper techniques for skills that put you at most risk, such as "heading," kicking, running, sliding … even falling.
- Wear quality protective gear, such as shin guards, goggles to protect your eye glasses, and a mouth guard. Ankle braces, knee braces, and a back support will help you avoid re-injury of vulnerable areas;
- Ensure the playing field and equipment is in good condition and free of debris, and that goal posts are padded to reduce the likelihood of head injuries;
- Wear shoes that have molded cleats or a ribbed sole. Growing young players require well-fitting shoes that don't have "wiggle room" in preparation for next season;
- Make sure the game officials enforce the rules to minimize the risk of injury promoted by uncontrolled play;
- Develop "body awareness": listen to what your body is telling you and avert chronic or serious injury with early detection, assessment and treatment.
HOW CAN YOUR CHIROPRACTOR HELP?
Dr. McKay confirms that "Chiropractors represent a vital source of
expertise and wellbeing for sports and fitness enthusiasts of all ages,
at all performance levels." Doctors of chiropractic offer specialized
knowledge in assessing and treating spine-nerve problems, as well as the
range-of-motion and biomechanical issues that contribute to sports-related
injuries.
"Fundamental to chiropractic," says Dr. McKay, "is the notion that, through education and awareness, many injuries are preventable; and, that injuries can be treated and managed effectively in ways that ensure patients an optimum state of wellbeing…without the use of drugs or surgery."
Your chiropractor can assess your current fitness level -an important step to anyone starting a new activity or sport- offer training and nutrition suggestions, help you set achievable goals, monitor your progress a regular basis, and manage any injuries you might sustain…safely, painlessly, effectively.
If you are about to start a new sport or fitness program, or if you're suffering the discomfort of an injury sustained during your favourite pastime, call your family doctor of chiropractic, and get a head start on the path to injury-free fitness and wellbeing.
Established in 1933, the British Columbia Chiropractic Association represents over seven hundred licensed chiropractic doctors in the province of B.C. Chiropractic doctors focus on the total body in relation to the spine, and specialize in their knowledge and treatment of its component bone structures, muscles and nerves. The third-largest primary care givers in the province, last year BC Chiropractic Doctors treated over 475 thousand patients. For more information about chiropractic, visit www.bcchiro.com
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Note: Dr. Colin McKay is available for interview along with local chiropractic doctors.
Media Contact: Margo Bates Publicity Inc., Vancouver Telephone: 604-536-9501 Fax: 604-536-9506 E-mail: mbpr@istar.ca
Sources:
(1) American Chiropractic Association, Canadian Chiropractic Association,
and BC Chiropractic Association;
(2) Kristin Baird Rattini, Heading Off Soccer Injuries, on the Internet
at www.onhealth.webmd.com/fitness/in-depth/
(3) Tell me about…Sports and Fitness, on the internet at www.chiroweb.com
(4) Ab Bryant, Registrar, BCSA Youth Provincial Registrar's Report, excerpted
from Annual Report 2000