Safe Performance Training for Teen Athletes

Dr. Michael A. VishionClinic DirectorCenter for Performance Medicine & Rehabilitation

Safe Performance Training for Teen

Athletes

What Many Of Us Really Want!

• Natural to want the best for our kids!

• But YOU must be the adult in the parent-child relationship --You must sometimes make hard decisions --Goal is not popularity --Goal IS long-term health & satisfaction

• Seek guidance from mentors and professionals --Family/friends who've raised teen athletes --Medical professionals --Guidance counselors & therapists --Clergy/youth ministers

Don't Beat Yourself Up…

The American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness recommends:

• limiting 1 sporting activity to a maximum of 5 days per week

• at least 1 day off from any organized physical activity

• at least 2 to 3 months off per year from their particular sport during which they can: --let injuries heal --refresh the mind --work on strength, conditioning & proprioception

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics - Overuse Injuries, Overtraining, and Burnout in Child and Adolescent Athletes (reaffirmed June 2014)

How Much Should Kids Be Doing?

Teen Athlete Training Tips

• Generally, young athletes should not train more hours per week than their age (ex. 10 year olds=10 hrs training).*

• If they do train for longer than the recommended time, they should be monitored by a qualified sports doctor with expertise in young athletes.**

• No matter the training length, always monitor joint pain.**

• If joint pain persists after two weeks, it's time for a visit to the doctor.**

*Source: American Academy of Pediatrics**Source: Dr. Lyle Micheli, co-founder/director of world's first sports medicine clinic for children at Boston Children's Hospital & past president, American College of Sports Medicine

From the American Academy of Pediatrics, burnout is:

“a series of psychological, physiologic, and hormonal changes that result in decreased sports performance.”

Overtraining Syndrome (aka "Burnout")

Common manifestations may include:

--chronic muscle or joint pain --personality changes --elevated resting heart rate --decreased sports performance --lack of enthusiasm about practice or competition --difficulty with successfully completing usual routines

Overtraining Syndrome (aka "Burnout")

• Up to 50% of injuries seen in pediatric sports medicine clinics are related to overuse.

• 70% of children drop out of organized sports by age 13.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

What Harm Can Overtraining Cause?

Overuse injuries

• Damage to a bone, muscle, ligament, or tendon due to repetitive stress without allowing time for the body to heal.

• Examples--shin splints--tennis elbow--swimmer’s shoulder--little league elbow--runner’s knee --jumper’s knee --achilles tendonitis

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

What Harm Can Overtraining Cause?

4 stages of overuse injuries:

• Pain in the affected area after physical activity

• Pain during physical activity, not restricting performance

• Pain during physical activity, restricting performance

• Chronic, persistent pain even at rest

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

What Harm Can Overtraining Cause?

• Rest days are essential to refresh and regenerate.

• Muscles need time to repair themselves & keep the "instrument fine tuned."

• Remember they're kids – no matter how good they are, sports/activities should be fun!

"But We Don't Want Them To Miss An Opportunity!"

• Early diversification and late specialization has been found to be most effective and result in the most success.

• American Academy of Pediatrics recommends delaying sports specialization until late adolescence (age 15-16) to minimize risks of overuse injury.

"But If We Don't Do This They'll Get Behind!"

Balance

Perspectiv

e

Remember Two Very Important Words

Numerous studies have shown that children who diversify their play are more likely to enjoy physical activity throughout their lives & are more successful in achieving their athletic goals.

Balance (Not The "On One Foot" Kind)

It's OK to want your kids to do well at what they love, but don't let what your child does define who they are.

• Realistic Expectations - not everyone is the best, and not everyone wins.

• Look In, Not Out – encourage your child to set personal goals and find personal satisfaction in reaching those goals, instead of relying on outside feedback from coaches, judges, teammates (and even parents!) for affirmation.

• Trust The Pros – find the best coaches/teachers, then trust their experience & expertise.

• Practice Gratitude – the fact they can do what they love is a gift many kids don't have. Athletes & parents, be grateful!

Perspective

For more information, contact:

Dr. Michael VishionClinic Director

Center for Performance Medicine & Rehabilitation636-778-3028

DrVishion@GetHealthySTL.com