Escaping the Fog With Appropriate Concussion Management

Numerous online computer neurocognitive tests have emerged over the past few years in the field of concussion management.  Some practices/practitioners are utilizing these tests alone for concussion management, however these tests are only one small piece of what should be a more thorough management strategy.  These tests have been shown in numerous clinical trials and world-wide consensus statements to be unreliable as a stand-alone measure for concussion, but this has not stopped many schools and amateur sports leagues from spending thousands of dollars to have “baseline” testing.  The problem is, these tests are essentially a waste of time and money if this is all you are using.

A Paradigm Shift in Endurance Athletes - stop masking the injury

Endurance athletes continually push their bodies to the limit, and in some circles those who can suffer most will be able to endure longer and have better results.  With high frequency and intense training this can lead to decreased recovery, pain and eventually injury.  To persevere, some athletes will pop NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) such as Ibuprofen like candy.  In specific sports the prevalence of NSAID use among athletes has been reported as high as 90%. 

Performance and Recovery: The pro’s and con’s of compression clothing in sport

Compression clothing is very popular in athletics and even I have recently been considering getting a pair of graduated compression socks for myself.  Graduated compression refers to the pressure of the garment decreasing as it moves closer to your heart.  In the lower legs for example, the compression would be highest around the ankle and decrease as the stocking moves closer the knee.  Compression was traditionally intended for impaired venous return, and for limiting repetitive sports injuries such as medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints).  Healthy runners wear compression gear to improve performance and recovery.  Let’s look at a study published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology & Performance (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23302134), and see what the research says.

Train for Length! My favourite eccentric exercises for hamstrings

Active individuals can sustain a variety of injuries to the hamstrings, ranging from a minor strain to a complete rupture.  Here are my three favourite exercises to help prevent hamstring injury and to aid in the rehabilitation of the walking wounded.

To ICE or to HEAT, that is the question!

We have all applied ice or heat to an injury, but are we applying them at the right time? Many people tell me they are applying heat to an injury when they should be icing, others tell me they have been icing when they would benefit from heat. Then there is the group of people that does not do either because they are unsure what they should be using when! This post will clarify when to use ice and heat.