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Play Ball…Safely!

May 7, 2018 | Tips & Trends
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Little league baseball team sitting on bench during game.

It’s that time of year again.  Time to lace up the cleats, strap on the helmet and “play ball.”  As children gear up for another season of softball, t-ball and baseball, it’s important to keep safety and injury prevention tips in mind!  Common injuries usually fall into two different categories, impact/contact and overuse. Impact/contact injuries are the result of the body coming in contact with a stationary or moving object. Impact injuries include broken or twisted ankles, concussions and sprains or strains.  Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive actions that over time wear and/or stretch the muscles, joints or soft tissue. Players who pitch for their team are especially susceptible to overuse injuries.  Overuse of the arm and shoulder often cause a condition commonly known as Little League Elbow.  It is recommended that pitching is limited to a maximum of six innings per week and rest periods between pitching days should also be required.

Every team member should practice proper stretching and warm-up techniques while also cooling down after activity and avoid playing while in pain.  Keep the tips below in mind to ensure your kids truly enjoy this summer season!

Tips:

  • Teach kids to listen to symptoms: Young athletes should be taught to listen to how their bodies are feeling. The first sign of a problem is pain.
  • Observe their techniques: Coaches need to observe techniques, especially in pitchers.  Prolonged improper pitching can lead to long-term shoulder damage.  Additionally, improper technique can lead to an overuse injury.
  • Condition: If possible start a conditioning program one month or more before the start of the season. A basic stretching routine should be used prior to a player even picking up a ball!
  • Use ice: If a player is experiencing sore muscles and tightness, ice should be applied to the area for 10-15 minutes to help minimize the amount of blood that would otherwise likely drain into the muscle.

Physical therapy can serve as an important preventative measure as well as a rehabilitation resource.  If you would like additional information on a physical therapy program that is right for you, please call toll-free 888-644-7747 or click here to locate a physical therapist at one of our Phoenix facilities nearest you.

The entire Phoenix Physical Therapy Team is committed to providing our patients with quality physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in a safe and healthy clinic environment. We continue to follow the guidance provided by the CDC, WHO and public health officials to update you as new information becomes available. Let’s work together to keep each other safe and healthy.

The safety of our patients, communities and team members remains our top priority. We know you have a choice in your care providers and appreciate your commitment to Phoenix and our qualified clinicians.

Here are the actions we have taken to keep our patients, communities and team healthy & safe:

  • Flexible scheduling allows for social distancing
  • Regular cleaning and sanitation of all clinic surfaces
  • Facemasks must be worn by all Phoenix staff and are recommended for all patients
  • Screening questionnaire and temperature checks prior to entering clinics
  • 6 feet of social distancing throughout the clinics

Keeping Our Clinics Safe

Here are some tips on how we can keep each other safe:

  • Handwashing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. When soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or are experiencing shortness of breath. If a patient shows up with symptoms, the clinic team will work with them to reschedule.
  • Be vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance from the CDC website and our Travel Guidelines.

Here are actions we are taking to keep our clinics clean and safe:

  • Equipment will be wiped down after EVERY use with antibacterial wipes/sprays
  • All surfaces that patients or staff may touch including door handles, countertops, seating, pens at sign-in, bathroom and all other common areas will be disinfected regularly
  • Treatment tables will be 6 feet apart
  • Team members will wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezin
  • Clinics will have hand sanitizer available at the front desk and in the treatment areas
  • Any Phoenix team members who are ill will be asked to stay home
  • We will maintain social distancing between patients in the clinic
  • Caregivers that are bringing a patient to the clinic should wait in their car or come back when the appointment has ended unless necessary (i.e. minor requiring a guardian or for assistance needs)
  • When possible, we will treat patients in private rooms to increase social distancing
  • Any patients that have underlying health issues (i.e. diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.) will be given the option to be seen during special clinic hours or can opt to be treated in a private room away from other clinicians and patients
  • All patients should be self-screening before entering the clinic. Our PCCs will perform a secondary screening during the check-in process and before patients enter the clinic including a screening questionnaire and temperature check.
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