Dealing with Injuries

I just wanted to clarify some points about injuries, so we can keep healthy, and there are no misunderstandings. I hope all of you feel a strong bond and commitment to the team, but I do not want you to feel obligated to put yourself at risk for damaging yourself. Ultimate is a life long sport, and I hope each of you enjoy playing it for many years to come. Also, this discussion is based on my experience as an ultimate player and coach, not athletic trainer or medical knowledge.

So, here are some points about injuries:

First, ultimate is a tough sport on the body, and it is essential to take care of your body. Taking care of your body is the best way to prevent injuries. Taking care of your body to prevent injuries includes good health habits--eating right, hydrating, stretching, resting, sleeping, using proper equipment, etc... More about that in a later post, some day!

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Another good injury prevention technique is good fitness. The stronger your muscles and the more fit you are, the less likelihood of injury. Strong muscles prevent joints and ligaments from exceeding their limits of range and flexibility when under duress. Fitness prevents you from being tired--when you are tired, your body is prone to injury. The best way to good ultimate fitness is intervals straight up hills and/or steps. They build strength, fitness, and speed in one nice little exercise. You can read about fitness training in the prior posts.

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Some of you may have pre-existing injuries or ailments that may affect your ability to play. If you have any minor conditions that can affect your ability to play or put yourself at risk (e.g., you tore your acl in high school, asthma, etc...), let your coach and captains know. If you have any serious potential health conditions, including respiratory, pulmonary/circulatory or head/neck/back conditions, please consider the risk you put on yourself and those around you!

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If you are injured, it is vital you let me and you captains know! We must know so there is communication and understanding as to the extent of the injury, and there is no undue pressure about playing.

Most serious ultimate injuries ( e.g., a pulled muscle or torn ligament) are not visible. Unless it is Dean's body swelling up. No one knows how much the injury hurts, or the extent of it, except for you. You must make any decision about whether or not to continue to play when injured. Neither your coach or team captain will require you to play when you are injured--that is your decision. Conversely, your coach or captains may insist you do NOT play due to an injury to protect yourself. And know that if you are injured, and feel like you are letting the team down, please do not feel bad or guilty! We all have been injured and in pain, and will be understanding and supportive to you.

The catch phrase for deciding on whether or not to play is "listen to your body!". Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong, help brain! Only you know the extent of your muscle pull, bruise on your toe, or whatever it may be, and you must make that decision to rest or to play.

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As far as pain killers (ibu, candy, etc...), I am personally against using them to mask pain in order to play. As stated above, the pain is your body's method of informing the brain that something is amiss. Masking that message may enable you to play, but may also lead to further damage and more severe injury.

I understand that after the play is done for the day, ibu and other drugs may aid in reducing swelling and in recovery. Again, that is your personal decision. Personally, I do not like any synthetic drugs for most anything. Natural treatments, natural drugs, are preferred, if necessary.

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Different injuries require different responses. Some ultimate injuries are superficial and can be dealt with easily. These include the various cuts, scrapes and bruises we all encounter. Another set of injuries are pulled or strained muscles. Another set is related to joints, from ankles to knees to shoulders. Another set is related to ligaments and tendons. Another is anything rleated to the head/neck/spine. Each of these injuries require different responses from you and even the team.

Coach Pat