Parents, coaches and volunteers contribute to their athletes’ participation in various ways. However many “support initiatives” are harmful. Let’s explore.
I am just catching up to your articles. This is one is great! I'm working on exploring the ice issue later on. it is a very controversial topic among ATs, coaches, and athletes. NSAIDs is another one that needs to be explored more in-depth.
So much great information this week...thanks Greg! I'm very interested to see how the extended research on icing turns out. I've grown up with the RICE therapy attitude and application. Like many issues and techniques in training...things change over time. I try to remain open-minded and willing to change, but my experience (both observation and use) tells me ice works in many short-term applications (for recovery). Nonetheless, I will remain optimistic that new, relevant data will be revealed...so we progress toward proper and efficient counsel with our athletes.
Thanks John. Yes, it is a big change in position and being open minded is fantastic and a pre-requisite to getting better.
Some of the research (not mentioned in the article) that is compelling is the work of Dr. Gabe Mirkin. Dr. Mirkin is in his 80's now, very involved in research and healthy living protocol and really the creator of the RICE therapy protocol back in 1978 via his sportsmedicine book.
He has changed his position. But many practitioners still stand by it. The biggest recent finding is that Ice delays recovery. It does help with pain but interferes with the recovery process.
Bottom line: the role of ice is to help with pain management. If the pain of a sprained ankle is so severe, ice is better than NSAID (as mentioned). So that works.
Once pain is manageable, protecting the injured area is the next priority. It used to be that complete immobilization and total rest was recommended, but that is not the case any more. Protecting the injured area can hopefully lead to some activity and blood flow which promotes healing. Compression seems to help as well, with short time under compression wrap then release to allow blood flow back to the injured area.
This is where the magic happens, what kind of activity can be done without making pain or injury worse.?
Many athletic and physio therapists will work on this immediately after injury and provide a protocol as this has been proven to speed up healing.
Now that I dig into this, this could be an article in itself! As providing the supporting information for all of this is very important so people know this is based on research and not opinion.
From there, as coaches and parents we develop best practices that are simple and effective.
I am just catching up to your articles. This is one is great! I'm working on exploring the ice issue later on. it is a very controversial topic among ATs, coaches, and athletes. NSAIDs is another one that needs to be explored more in-depth.
Appreciate the feedback Grady! Enjoying your articles as well.
Both Erica and your articles are excellent resources and will be included in future recommended readings for youth club members!! Thank you!
Thanks Alex, appreciate your feedback and support.
So much great information this week...thanks Greg! I'm very interested to see how the extended research on icing turns out. I've grown up with the RICE therapy attitude and application. Like many issues and techniques in training...things change over time. I try to remain open-minded and willing to change, but my experience (both observation and use) tells me ice works in many short-term applications (for recovery). Nonetheless, I will remain optimistic that new, relevant data will be revealed...so we progress toward proper and efficient counsel with our athletes.
Thanks John. Yes, it is a big change in position and being open minded is fantastic and a pre-requisite to getting better.
Some of the research (not mentioned in the article) that is compelling is the work of Dr. Gabe Mirkin. Dr. Mirkin is in his 80's now, very involved in research and healthy living protocol and really the creator of the RICE therapy protocol back in 1978 via his sportsmedicine book.
He has changed his position. But many practitioners still stand by it. The biggest recent finding is that Ice delays recovery. It does help with pain but interferes with the recovery process.
Here is Dr. Mirkin's position in 2015.
https://www.drmirkin.com/fitness/why-ice-delays-recovery.html
Bottom line: the role of ice is to help with pain management. If the pain of a sprained ankle is so severe, ice is better than NSAID (as mentioned). So that works.
Once pain is manageable, protecting the injured area is the next priority. It used to be that complete immobilization and total rest was recommended, but that is not the case any more. Protecting the injured area can hopefully lead to some activity and blood flow which promotes healing. Compression seems to help as well, with short time under compression wrap then release to allow blood flow back to the injured area.
This is where the magic happens, what kind of activity can be done without making pain or injury worse.?
Many athletic and physio therapists will work on this immediately after injury and provide a protocol as this has been proven to speed up healing.
Now that I dig into this, this could be an article in itself! As providing the supporting information for all of this is very important so people know this is based on research and not opinion.
From there, as coaches and parents we develop best practices that are simple and effective.
Thanks for your feedback!