Many of us are still using methods and techniques that we were taught as children in an effort to remain active and injury-free. We also try to share those same knowledgeable tidbits with our children as they become active. We search for information online, but there is so much noise and a lot of misinformation there. Today we’re sharing information regarding five common myths about New Orleans sports medicine.

Common New Orleans Sports Medicine Myths

Myth #1: Stretching prevents injuries. Stationary stretching actually leads to weakness in the muscles you have just stretched. In the hamstring muscles, that can be as much as a 20% loss of strength. We now focus much more on warming up to get those muscles moving. Walk around, hit a few tennis balls, perform a few short sprints.

Myth #2: Icing minimizes swelling and stops bleeding. Since we were infants, we have had ice applied to a cut, or tooth to make it feel better. But does ice help prevent bleeding and swelling? The short answer is no.Ice will minimize small blood vessels, but it also deactivates the platelets that help control the bleeding.

It can also damage the small blood vessels further, and when you remove the ice, and the tissue warms up, the inflammation returns, your vessels and the platelets aren’t happy, and the bleeding continues.

Myth #3: Another New Orleans sports medicine myth is that surgery on your elbow will make you throw faster and harder. Pitchers are borne – they are not created. Medial collateral ligament injuries are increasing exponentially. The loss of seasonality in sports and the addition of strength coaches, pitching coaches, and recreational throwing have added significantly to the stress our children are placing on their elbows.

Monitor their pitch counts and let them learn the art of the game from another perspective. If you injure your medial collateral ligament, you can very likely play another position without the need for surgery and without compromising your function.

You can live a long and happy life without a medial collateral ligament in your elbow. If you’re 16-18 and you’re not a scouted pitcher, step off the mound, give the ball to someone else, and enjoy the game from another perspective on the diamond – your elbow will thank you for it.

Myth #4: Taking anti-inflammatory before exercising will lessen the inflammation and pain. Actually, it won’t, and your body will be much worse off because of the effects of the medicine. New Orleans sports medicine reveals that inflammation is the first step in the healing process.

Anti-inflammatory shut down the chemical flow that promotes inflammation.There have been a few studies that have demonstrated that routine anti-inflammatory use can inhibit or disrupt the healing process.

Myth #5: Your son/daughter is the best on the team, so they can’t afford to get injured. Sit back, enjoy, let them have fun,and if they get hurt, let them rest. The team will be just fine without them.

If you want the real truth about these or any other myths about New Orleans sports medicine, call our office today to schedule a consultation and we’ll be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.

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