HOT TOPIC FRIDAY: SPORT SPECIALIZATION IN YOUTH
In today’s society, there’s been an absolute explosion in youth sports participation. There’s been an emphasis on winning, leading to a fundamental shift - away from a youth-driven recreational activity - and more towards a coach and skill development activity emphasizing a single sport specialty. This sport specialization is defined as a duration of practicing for a specific sport greater than eight months per year, or, quitting all sports to focus on one singular sport.
We have seen the 10,000 rule play into effect in the sport realm. Coaches and parents, in increasing trends, are aggressively pursuing athletic success in one particular sport. Today’s schedules of practices and games is different from that of previous generations. Kid’s are specializing at earlier ages, as evidenced by the growth in AAU leagues.
But the fundamental question is, is this healthy, and what are the effects of this?
Pro Sports & Chiropractic: The Winning Edge
In a 1991 study by Dr. Lauro, when tested on their reaction time, the chiropractic group reported 18% faster reaction times than their peers.
Another study by Dr. Murphy found an on average, 97 millisecond faster reaction time following adjustment.
A 2015 study showed that athletes significantly increased their vertical jump height following an adjustment.
One study found a 30% improvement in hand-eye coordination following an adjustment.
Multiple studies have shown that chiropractic aids in more effective training, fewer injuries, reduced recovery times, and increased performance.
Shoulder Pain
Compromised shoulder movement can carry significant disability for a person to carry out their daily activities. Luckily, in the majority of cases, they are normally treatable conditions, if approached from a researched, conservative approach. This article covers what it is, what it isn't, and how you can better manage it.
Low Back Pain
Back pain is the most frequent complaint we encounter. It is the leading cause of work absence and activity limitation around the world. Missed days of work impose high economic burdens on individuals, families, and communities. Most treatment focuses on just blocking the pain, ignoring the root cause. The pain we feel is the body's alert for a change.
Headache Overview
Headaches are not normal, and are an alert for a change. This article covers the primary headache classifications, their distinctions, and treatment options. Understanding your headache is the first step in a successful treatment.
Knee Pain
Chronic knee pain is a major cause of lifestyle limitations and disabilities in adults that account for a significant number of doctor visits per year. Knee pain is reported in over half of adults over the age of 50. It is a strong predictor of future disability, and early treatment is likely to have a major influence on healthy aging. It has increased over time, and it has doubled in prevalence in the past 50 years, despite advances in patient care.