Monday, January 31, 2011

Get off to a dynamic start

""We generally say you should jog slowly for five or 10 minutes and then do dynamic stretching," says Gavin Leung, athletic therapist with SportMedBC. 

Leung says evidence suggests that dynamic stretches also improve performance, something the static stretches have not been found to do. 

"A good warm-up including dynamic stretching improves performance, no matter what level of athleticism," he says."

Read More...

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Reinhart: Out for Season

"The bad news came in the final few minutes of the first period when big 6'4, 228 lb Austin Connor finished his check on Reinhart after the rearguard had moved the puck from the corner in his own end. The 1st round pick showed immediate signs of injury, it appeared as though it may have been a shoulder problem, and he skated gingerly off the ice.

After a very quick assessment on the bench from Head Athletic Therapist Brian Cheeseman, Reinhart got up and continued on to the dressing room signaling the end of his night, and apparently the end of his season. The big rearguard sustained a broken wrist on the play.
"

Read More...

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Concussions in the classroom

Jen Mark blogs about concussion management for students.  Read More...

Serious sports injuries

"Most of us have witnessed one at some point while watching a sporting event, be it in person or on television, a serious injury can silence any arena. Normally the player is attended to by medical staff and if the injury is deemed a serious degree the athlete is carried off by teammates or rides the stretcher off the playing surface.

“If you get through your career without an injury you’re the exception,” said Certified Athletic Therapist and owner of Basic Motion Therapy services, Marya Morrison.

Politely, fans, teammates and competitors clap as the injured player makes their way to the locker or dressing room, but what happens behind closed doors and away from the game in order for athletes to be able to recover and return to full health?"

Read More...

It's a whole new game for injury expert

"You might think an episode of House, or maybe even Grey's Anatomy, might be of some interest to T.D. Forss when he isn't tending to the battered and bruised Edmonton Oilers. 

But truth be told, on those rare occasions when he does put his feet up, there are no medical dramas programmed into his television remote. Instead, it's Dancing With the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance, or whatever dance show his daughters have chosen to watch. 

"My girls are competitive dancers so when I get to watch TV, it's usually what they're watching -- and it's usually a dance show," said Forss. 

"I haven't told anyone that. Let's keep that quiet." 

Meet the Oilers' head athletic therapist, one of several newbies working for the team this season. The 41-year-old University of Alberta grad, recruited from the Edmonton Eskimos in the off-season, recently took a few minutes out of his day to talk about the transition."

Read More...

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Queen’s curlers head to world winter university games

"Skip Jonathan Beuk, third Andrew Inouye, second Chadd Vandermade and lead Scott Chadwick will represent Queen’s at the event, along with Queen’s Coordinator of Athletic Therapy Services Vicky Whiltshire, who is a member of the Team Canada mission staff.Read More...

WHL suspension a good reminder

""You really have to be careful with everything that you are putting into your system. It's important they know what they are allowed to take and what they're not allowed to take," says Kelowna Rockets Athletic Therapist Jeff Thorburn.

"I don't know what supplement Asuchak took, but the key is that players are educated. The league does a good job with their drug testing seminars to make sure the players are informed. Ultimately they are responsible for what they are taking."


Thorburn says players need to be very careful as to what supplements they take at any time, as drug tests in the WHL are random.


"Members from the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport can basically show up at any game. It's a good wake up call for all players across the league."
"

Read More...

Canadian Athletic Therapists' Association raises public awareness on head injury in sport

The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) is a progressive not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and delivery of the highest quality care to active individuals through injury prevention, emergency services and rehabilitative techniques.

Within the past few weeks and months the prevention and management of head injuries (concussions) in sport, specifically in professional hockey and football has been a hot topic of discussion. The CATA and its members are committed to raising awareness of the importance of identifying head injury (concussions) and implementing appropriate management and return to play protocols when they do occur so athletes can safely participate in sport. Head Injuries (concussions) are by far the most common and one of the most difficult injuries to manage in sport today. The CATA strongly encourages all head injuries (concussions) are managed under the supervision of a team of professional sport health practitioners including Certified Athletic Therapists (CAT(C), sport physicians and neuropsychologists.

The CATA is a leader within the Canadian sport medicine community through continued development, implementation and monitoring of professional standards. The CATA proudly endorses the consensus statement on concussion in sport developed at the "3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport", held in Zurich, Switzerland in November 2008. Certified Athletic Therapists routinely utilize a myriad of assessment tools to identify and monitor athletes with head injuries (concussions) from the time of injury to their safe return to play.

In collaboration with other allied health professionals the CATA creates a healthier environment that encompasses the needs of the active community through to the high performance athlete. There are over 1100 Certified Athletic Therapists working in all provinces and territories across Canada.

Read More...

Cups of Coffee and Cupping

"And to make a long blog short, when I forced myself to work the following day I had our clinic athletic therapist give my shin a once-over. I complained of all the other issues I had and Mara (Chaplin) asked, “Did you ever consider that you might have a concussion from the fall?”Read More...

Court of public opinion

"But it isn't simply a CHL matter. The substance first appeared on WADA's prohibited list at the beginning of 2010 and many athletes were subsequently found guilty of using it, ranging from minor league baseball players to a rash of Australian athletes.

Asuchak's error came in reading the wrong list. Methylhexaneamine was not a banned substance in 2009, meaning the Cougars forward wouldn't find it on the out-of-date list he was referencing at the time he purchased and used Jack3d.

...


There is also a web site with a database where players can type an ingredient in to find out whether it is prohibited or safe under the guidelines.

Players are encouraged to speak with their team's athletic therapist as well."

Read More...

Knee patients bypass long waits

"Meryl Wheeler, Non-Physician Expert, sees a patient at the new Acute Knee Injury Clinic (AKIC) at the University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre.Read More...

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

CHL’s supplemental discipline ‘extreme’

"“Even if everything is fine on the label, wherever that supplement is made, if that factory produces anything that is illegal or banned there’s always a chance something could end up in your product,” said Ivan Bokanovic, head athletic therapist for the Mississauga Majors.

Bokanovic said he doesn’t even advise his players to take over-the-counter cold and flu medications when they’re sick, unless it’s at least 24 hours before a game where it has time to clear the system."

Read More...

Inaugural caps winter fest a success

"The Edmonton Capitals hosted their inaugural Winter Fest player and coach camps January 21-23 at the St. Francis Xavier Sports Centre, as they helped develop the skills of 75 local players and coaches.

The Caps welcomed 50 players ranging in age from six to 16, as well as 25 coaches, to the first-ever Winter Fest weekend at the state-of-the-art St. FX facility. Players and coaches from the professional baseball club, as well as staff from the St. FX Baseball Academy, provided the campers with expert instruction and allowed them an opportunity to play baseball during the off-season.

Instructors included new Caps Field Manager Orv Franchuk, Caps Pitching Coach and St. FX Academy Coordinator Mark Randall, Caps Director of Baseball Operations and Hitting Instructor Gord Gerlach, Caps 2010 Pitcher of the Year and former Major Leaguer Lou Pote, Caps pitcher and former Major Leaguer Mike Johnson, St. FX Academy lead instructor Sheen Bromley, T2 Motion Analysis president/operator Wayne Ryder and Edmonton Eskimos Head Athletic Therapist Nate Hay."

Monday, January 24, 2011

How to test if you're over training

Carolyn Zepf of Ultimate Sports Therapy talks about overtraining.

See the video...

X-Box Kinect could prove helpful in treating concussions

"Could the new hands-free X-Box Kinect system help athletes suffering from a concussion recover quicker? That’s the question Cindy Hughes, head athletic therapist and manager of the Sport Injury Clinic at York, is tumbling around in her mind these days. “There are all kinds of possibilities for its use in rehab,” she says.

The clinic, part of York’s School of Kinesiology & Health Science in the Faculty of Health, recently purchased a 60-inch wide-screen television and X-Box Kinect system console with three different programs. Already Hughes has had a patient recovering from a concussion try it out."

Read More...

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Ignoring injuries won't make them go away

"The variety of braces manufactured and marketed by Trainer’s Choice include wrist, elbow ankle, knee and back braces. These braces are recognized by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. As a trained athletic therapist himself, Rick Schaly founded Trainer’s Choice 14 years ago to supply Canadian physiotherapists with a much higher quality brace than was currently on the market."

I often see patients who have a nagging injury and wait until the discomfort is unbearable,” notes Heather Campbell, head athletic therapist at Trainer’s Choice. At the very least, they should be getting fit for a brace to prevent further injury.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Regan's Rant - The opinions of a WHL radio broadcaster, Welcome to Kent

"We are on the air at 7:05 tonight from the ShoWare Center. Colour analyst Gord McGarva is on the trip and will speak with Rockets athletic therapist Jeff Thorburn in the first intermission.Read More...

Canada Women To Open 2011 Against China PR

"Canada will open its 2011 schedule against host China PR at the Four Nations Women’s Tournament in the Yongchuan District of Chongqing, China.

Canada, China PR, USA and Sweden are all taking part in the tournament, with six total matches (three per club) to be played from 21-25 January.

The 21 January Canada-China PR match kicks off at 18.35 local (05.35 ET / 02.35 PT). Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting sponsor is Teck, next faces USA on 23 January and then Sweden on 25 January."

Athletic Therapist / Thérapeute du sport : Fabrizio DiFrancesco
Athletic Therapist / Thérapeute du sport : Roberta Villa


Read More...

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Therapists 'damn important' to players

"For 60 minutes, the men on Ryerson’s varsity hockey team battle with sticks and bodies, carving their way from zone to zone up and down the ice. While their hard work often causes scoring opportunities, it always hurts. That’s where Leslie Dias and Sarah Goold come in. They’re the members of the team who dress every game but record no ice time, goals or assists.
 
...

“We have a lot of exams, two for each course because we have a practical component and written.” Goold said. In December, both therapists were subjected to eight exams for four courses in six days. Along with their examinations, they are under continual assessment from coaching staff and head athletic therapist Jerome Camacho, who sees all student therapists weekly.
 
Along with Dias and Goold, Ryerson has also accepted Adrian Wellman (men’s soccer and volleyball), Mary Lalancette (women’s soccer and volleyball), Brittany Mclean (women’s basketball) and Michelle Bell (men’s basketball) from Sheridan this year.
 
Playing on the Rams is tough. Taking care of the team is sometimes tougher."
 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Hemsky joins Oilers’ lengthy injury list

"Oilers coach Tom Renney said the winger didn’t show any of the typical signs of a concussion before the Wild game and had not indicated to the medical staff that he had any symptoms. He told athletic therapist T.D. Forss after the first period that he didn’t feel right, but that he was going to go back out.
Hemsky played one shift in the second period before he was pulled from the game.
...
“As I did last year, I feel very strongly about this medical team. I think they are current, I think they are on top of things. I think they do more than they should to protect our players and, at the end of the day, we’re all good with that.” (Renney)"

Read More...

A point in the very least

"Canadiens head athletic therapist Graham Rynbend helps Michael Cammalleri (left) and Max Pacioretty off HSBC Center ice in Buffalo.Read More...

Rink rats

"Many health benefits can be derived from a 30-minute skate, whether it's with a stick in hand or not, says Christal Geier, athletic therapist at LifeMark Genesis Place.Read More...

Hounds' Thomas on the mend

"Hounds athletic therapist and trainer, Chris Linder, is in regular contact with Thomas's doctor in London.Read More...

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Hockey canada partners with under armour to provide mouthwear for national teams

"When athletes exert themselves, clenching the jaw is a natural reaction. Teeth-clenching, however, triggers the excess production and release of hormones, such as cortisol, that produce stress, fatigue and distraction, hindering an athlete’s performance. ArmourBite Performance Mouthwear retains a scientifically-measured space between the teeth as an athlete clenches. This spacing reduces the increase of pressure at the temporomandibular joint and prevents the excessive production of performance-sapping hormones.Read more...

What are your thoughts on the subject?

Blazers well aware of bad supplements

"As soon as he saw the email, Rich Campbell, the Winterhawks' athletic therapist and strength/conditioning coach, said he "walked right back and talked to players. I asked if they were familiar with the specific product and let them know that it was illegal."
Campbell said this "is very important to us because players hear about these supplements through other athletes and a lot of times there's stuff in there that we don't know is in there."

Read More... Kamploops The Daily News

Read More...Gregg Drinnan's Blog

IceDogs getting to heart of matter

"Members of the Ontario Hockey League squad have been wearing heart rate monitors strapped around their chests. The monitors send signals that are picked up by an antenna that plugs into a laptop computer's USB port. The apparatus has a range of 100 metres.

"Certain guys don't like wearing them during games, so it's totally up to the player," team athletic therapist Peter Dobbin said. "During practices, everybody wears one. 

"We're just trying to find tendencies and things that happen to certain players.""

Read More...

Monday, January 17, 2011

Job Opportunity: Etobicoke RFC

A new rugby club will launch their inaugural season this year.  The Etobicoke RFC plans on fielding a U16 and U18 team in the TRU, while holding exhibition fixtures for a senior team.  This is a good opportunity for someone who would like to become their head therapist to offer their services.

Anyone interested in participating in this rugby club as a player, coach, or supporter is encouraged to contact us or come to an organizational meeting planned for:
    
    Wednesday January 27, 2010  -  7:00PM

    Location:   Etobicoke Olympium, 590 Rathburn Road
                     Committee Room B  (Upstairs)

Mike Dwhytie
Coach, Martingrove C.I. Rugby
 905-842-2942 or mikedwhytie@etobicokerugby.net

Softball Canada Men's Development Team gets ready for AAU Tournament

"The 2011 Softball Canada Men's Development arrived in Kissimmee, Florida this past weekend for a few days of team preparations prior to competing at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) International Men's Fast Pitch tournament."

Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Don Bates (Saskatoon, SK)
Assistant Coach: Les Howey (Saskatoon, SK)
Assistant Coach: John Stuart (Vancouver, BC)
Athletic Therapist: Adam Davies (Ottawa, ON)


Read More...

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Elliott Sports Medicine on The Source

Erin MacLean of Elliott Sports Medicine Clinic will be on "The Source" giving advice on how to enjoy winter running.  See them on Cogeco Cable channel 23 between Jan 18 and Jan 23 at 7pm.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Spits warned about supplements

"Windsor Spitfires athletic therapist Joey Garland is planning a little review for players next week. Garland will focus on the dangers of supplements after a pair of Ontario Hockey League players were suspended for eight games Friday.Read More...

Friday, January 14, 2011

Petch aims for business gold

“I always wanted to be the guy who would run out onto the ice and pick up the Montreal Canadiens player when they got hurt,” he (Kip Petch) said.  Read More...

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Blue-liner finds silver lining

"Meanwhile, Sea Dogs forward Tomas Jurco, who played for Slovakia at the world juniors, was also recognized during Tuesday's pre-game ceremony. So was Saint John native Kevin Elliott, the P.E.I. Rocket's athletic therapist who was with Team Canada the past two years.Read More...

GENTLEMEN, we can rebuild him...

"Jyles suffered a dislocated shoulder and has had surgery. Bombers head athletic therapist Alain Couture said Jyles is recovering the range of motion and said the healing is about where it should be as part of a four-to-six month rehabilitation.Read More...

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Chargers women welcome shot at CCAA’s top volleyball squad

“Prior to this season, I only had a chance to see and talk of the merits of Chargers athletics ... not live it,” he (Coach Chris Dahl) said. “Now, I believe even more in what we are doing with the program. Camosun College, the Chargers Athletic Department, Lifemark and the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence surround us with the tools we need to succeed. I know I am extremely thankful for the guidance and support provided by those involved with the program. Our community is deep and resourceful, so much so that one can't help but feel a great personal responsibility to develop a high level program.”  Read More...

Wolves shine at world hockey championships

"Four members of the Sudbury Wolves returned home last week from world championships with medals in tow. From left, Mathew Campagna, Dan Buckland, athletic therapist, Marcus Foligno and Brody Silk."

Read More...

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Gorges scratches 7-year itch

"Gorges said it was for his good, not that of his team, that he finally was sat down. He believes general manager Pierre Gauthier and head athletic therapist Graham Rynbend ultimately made the call in Washington on Dec. 28, ending his streak of 150 consecutive games played.Read More...

Friday, January 7, 2011

Senators aim to start playoff push against champs

"(Leclaire) didn't respond the way we were hoping he would after the morning said," said Clouston, who decided to hold Leclaire out after discussions with the goaltender and head athletic therapist Gerry Townend. "We felt it was in his best interests not to put him in a situation where, if we needed him tonight, he might re-aggravate (the injury) further. We need to make sure he's 100 per cent if and when he goes back into the net.Read More...

Leclaire injured again

After the skate, talking with the Pascal and (athletic therapist) Gerry (Townend), he didn’t respond the way we wanted him after the skate,” said Senators coach Cory Clouston Friday afternoon.  Read More...

Remembering the sports stars who said goodbye in 2010

"Andrew Budge, who died in December at age 24, served as a student athletic therapist at the U of W and played baseball in the Winnipeg South AAA system.Read More...

Leclaire setback leaves Sens scrambling

"Lehner, who had just returned to the Baby Sens after playing for Sweden at the world junior tournament, finally arrived at the United Center with about four minutes to go in the first period and was on the Senators bench to start the second period. 

“After the skate, talking with Pascal and (athletic therapist) Gerry (Townend), he didn’t respond the way we wanted him to after the skate,” said Senators coach Cory Clouston, who has every right to be frustrated with his oft-injured netminder."

Read More...

Guest post: Dan Riggins

"This morning I got an email from him saying he's going to Ethiopia. Apparently at the very last minute he (Dan Zemper) decided to travel as an athletic therapist with this group of runners who are trekking across the country in support of an effort to build three new schools for children there. These runners will complete 400 kilometers over the course of twelve days.Read More...

Habs' Gorges out for the season

"Some players have been able to play for extended periods without one or the other of the cruciate ligaments ... [but] I think it's fair to say he's been pretty lucky having gotten this far," said Terry Kane, a former Flames head athletic therapist and the man long entrusted with the care and feeding of Nieuwendyk's knees.  Read More...

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Team Ontario wins gold at U-17 Hockey Challenge

"Three Sudbury Wolves will head home from Winnipeg this week with gold medals hanging from their necks. Rookies Brody Silk and Mathew Campagna and athletic therapist Dan Buckland were part of Team Ontario, the champions of this year's World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.Read More...

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Monday, January 3, 2011

Driving Rod Hay

"But as we spoke, Hay gave me no indication how far he was prepared to go in order to test his theory. The following day, he did more than modify his technique–he rode holding the rein in his other hand. (Mark) Lafave and Dale Butterwick, another athletic therapist, watched almost in disbelief from behind the chutes. “We kind of said to each other, ‘Is he riding with the other hand?’ ” Lafave recalls.Read More...