ptspin
by Joel Scherr
Physical Therapist
Stressful Times Call for Stress
Fractures
Rory
Mcilroy
recently
experienced a return of rib pain
from an injury he previously
endured. Unfortunately, it looks
like he is going to miss the FedEx
Cup, but it might could have been
avoided if he would have given his
body the proper rest.
Overexertion is the prominent
cause of a stress fracture, especially
in the ribs, says Ponchatoula
Therapy’s Joel Scherr. The only
prevention for this type of injury
is strengthening the muscles
around the ribs which include
the abdominals, rotator cuffs and
posterior muscles. Now, we can all
see by looking at him that Rory
McIlroy is in great shape, but
muscles have never been accused
of being over-strengthened.
David Dahl, a professional
baseball player, has missed the
entire MLB season due to a stress
fracture in his ribs, similar to
Rory’s. Kids growing up in this era
are extremely competitive in sports
and play many games along with
practice each week. When bones
start to ache and are not as reliable
in certain situations of athletic
activity, make sure that the area of
focus gets rest. Rest allows the both
bones and muscles to rejuvenate
and perform properly.
A stress fracture can linger
usually a minimum of 4-6 weeks,
24
and it can last until the bone gets
rest. Continual tension on bones,
especially in children, can become
dangerous. The bones in children
are not prepared to endure most
exercises that the professionals
of any sport demonstrate. The
exercises need to be modified to a
child’s development to avoid stress
on the bones. And parents need to
work with coaches and healthcare
professionals to ensure the safety
of their children. After all, it’s not
only the child’s sports career you’re
protecting. Some injuries can come
back to hurt even children.
Recovery is much more
painfully extensive than resting. It
may not be easy to put the clubs
down for a few days or a week at
a time, but your body will thank
you in the long run. Don’t forget
to drink milk to keep those bones
strong and healthy. And remember,
a little patience can help provide
years of active lifestyle.