May 31, 2017
Off
Concussions can occur in every sport, even those that are not considered to be full contact. According to a survey conducted on behalf of the American Osteopathic Foundation by Harris Poll, parents are aware of the risks. A survey was conducted of 1,000 parents to gauge the influence of concussion risk on their choice to permit their young aspiring athletes to play sports. Of the 1,000 parents surveyed, 51 percent said they would permit their kids to participate, while more than a third of parents noted that participation would depend on the sport their child wanted to play. Among these parents, basketball was perceived to be the safest, with baseball, soccer, gymnastics, and cheerleading rounding out the sports parents perceived to be safest.
Contact sports like rugby, wrestling, field hockey, lacrosse, and ice hockey are known to be more common causes of concussion and injury. Football is the sport most frequently associated with concussion, and as a response, football helmet technology is being developed to provide better protection. For young people in other sports, mouth guards, chest protectors, and other safety equipment must be used in both practice and game play to reduce the risk of concussion and other injury.
Symptoms of concussion include confusion, forgetfulness, disorientation, poor balance, slowed speech, or changes in mood, behavior or personality. Staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and developing strong neck muscles can help protect kids from concussion. To speed recovery and strengthen the necessary structures to protect young athletes, researchers endorse an active rehabilitation over full cognitive and physical rest; however, it is agreed that the athlete shouldn’t return to their sport until they fully recover.
Dr. Shane Patterson is a board certified osteopathic physician who uses manual palpitation to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system that include muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissue. His special understanding of how the structures in our bodies are interconnected and interdependent enable Dr. Patterson to treat patient without drugs or surgery. In addition to providing effective treatment for injury, Dr. Patterson takes time to educate his patients about proper nutrition and training techniques, improving performance and protecting the body from injury. At Osteopathic Health Care Associates, Dr. Shane Patterson and his knowledgeable staff are pleased to offer attentive, educational care to young athletes, their families, and anyone seeking a personal relationship with their physician. To schedule an appointment at Osteopathic Health Care Associates, call Dr. Shane Patterson at Osteopathic Healthcare Medicine today at 586.221.2791 or complete the contact form in the sidebar for a return call from one of our staff.
