Whether you’re stocking your pantry in preparation for the Super Bowl or teaching your son to play catch in the backyard, Americans across the nation embrace the world of sports as a significant part of their culture and lifestyle.
According to statistics published by the National College Athletic Association in 2012, collegiate sports have raked in $10.6 billion in revenue two years ago. Still, many people look beyond the entertaining and financial benefits of sports, feeling the true benefits are the self-discipline, ambition and team leadership skills that an athletic lifestyle promotes. However, every rose has its thorn, and for student athletes, that thorn is sports injury.
According to statistics collected by the NCAA and National Athletic Trainers’ Association, an estimated 12,500 collegiate athletes experience sports injury each year. Though the year is still young, Lions basketball player Antonnio Benton is among those affected by sports injury in 2014.
“I got my concussion the day after Christmas. We came back and had practice,” said Benton. “Inadvertently, I got hit by an elbow by one of my teammates in my left temple, so I had to get stitches.”
Benton underwent treatment for six days, forcing him to miss three games due to his injury. Not only did the injury impact Benton personally, but it impacted his team as well.
“We already had maybe three players injured,” said Benton. “It kind of put a lot of stress on the team because guys end up playing like 30 minutes per game. We rotated like six or seven players, so when you play three games with 30 minutes for each player, it’s kind of tiring.”
At Southeastern, college athletes whose injuries are not serious enough for hospitalization are rehabilitated by athletic trainers.
“Athletic trainers, essentially, are going to be the link between the student athlete and the coach and the team doctor,” said John Erwin, assistant athletics director for sports medicine. “Here at Southeastern in particular, we’re dealing with the student athlete population. Our job is to be the front line for them for any medical needs that they may have, ranging from preventative measures, [to] their entrance exam and their physical, [to] making sure that they’re OK to do lifting down in the weight room.”
According to the National Institute of Health, the most common sports injuries include sprains, knee injuries, swollen muscles, Achilles tendon injuries, fractures and dislocations. Many non-athletes experience sports injury as a result of poor training methods or improper gear. People who are interested in getting into shape can avoid injury by consulting with a health professional to ensure their exercises are healthy and safe.
“For the weekend warrior, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Erwin. “Any sort of extra stretching, extra mobility or foam rolling is going to be massively helpful. A lot of the time, people say ‘I want to work out,’ especially this time of year. People are going through New Year’s resolutions, and they’re trying to possibly lose weight or get back in shape. They may progress themselves too fast.”
According to Erwin, people should consult their doctors before beginning a work out plan to see if it is healthy for them to exercise. The Recreational Sports and Wellness Center at Southeastern allows students the opportunity to meet with a personal trainer to create a fitness plan that is healthy and safe. Students can view single session and monthly package fees for personal trainers on the Rec Sports and Wellness Center’s webpage.
Whether you are a professional athlete or simply trying to get in shape, sports injuries can be harmful and disheartening. When working out or playing sports, remember to do your research, practice prevention methods and stay safe.