Whether it’s summer reading or summer workouts, it’s important to keep a young athlete’s mind and body in shape during the offseason. Taking time to help them prepare for the upcoming grind of school and sports will help them maximize their chances for success on the field and in the classroom.
Despite the importance of rest and recovery, it’s difficult for any athlete to take an extended break from their sport and pick up right where they left off. As trusted experts in sports medicine, Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance stresses the importance of finding the right balance between training and recovery.
Below, a KCOA sports doctor in Kansas City explains the risks of extended inactivity prior to the start of a sports season.
The Dangers of Too Much Inactivity
It’s difficult for any athlete to take an extended break from their sport and pick up right where they left off from a conditioning or performance standpoint.
As any orthopedic sports physician in Kansas City will tell you, taking a break to rest and recover is essential to avoiding overtraining—and the potential injuries that come with it. Nearly every elite athlete does this regardless of their sport, but generally for just a few weeks at a time.
Going from multiple months of little physical activity to performing long, intense physical activity can bring similarly negative effects. Early-season practices tend to heavily revolve around training athletes back into game shape—with technique, conditioning and strength training all playing prominent roles.
Whether due to injury or inactivity, too much rest can lead to a decrease in your muscle strength and conditioning after just a few weeks. That lack of muscle strength can play a direct role in developing an acute musculoskeletal injury—as the area is not properly equipped to handle dramatically increased stress and sudden, forceful movements. These injuries can include:
- Sprains, Strains, & Tears
- Joint Pain & Stiffness
- Tendonitis
- Fractures (particularly stress related)
Even if your young athlete doesn’t develop an injury, too much inactivity may put them at a disadvantage from a competitive standpoint. Commonly known as “shaking off rust”, they may need to refine or re-learn certain techniques specific to their sport—while also working themselves back into proper shape. Because this can take time, they may put themselves at risk of losing playing time to a more well-trained, well-conditioned athlete.
Help Your Athlete Hit the Ground Running This Fall— Contact a Sports Doctor in Kansas City Today!
At Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance, we make it our mission to create a superior patient experience for all. Regardless of the location or severity of your young athlete’s injury, our team will work with you to ensure the best possible outcome.
Request an appointment with one of our providers to schedule a preseason physical or find the best treatment option for their needs. You can also receive a thorough evaluation by calling (913) 319-7600 or by using our symptom tracker tool. If you have any additional questions or comments, feel free to fill out our contact form to get a prompt response from a KCOA representative.
