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What causes muscle cramps in exercise?
The answer to this question is actually … we aren’t sure. The research is relatively uncertain as to the cause. There are two theories. One theory is the it results from muscle dehydration and or electrolyte depletion with exercise. The more recent theory is that it results from muscle fatigue and altered neuromuscular control creating the cramp. It is likely that it is a combination of both.
Managing “Shin Splints”
Often incorrectly described as “shin splints”, Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is an overuse injury usually caused by running or jumping. The condition is characterized by pain and tenderness in the lower leg, usually along the front medial edge of the shin. There are many potential causes of this overuse syndrome that are overviewed here.
Ice vs Heat for Recovery
If you’ve ever been confused about whether to apply ice or heat to an injury or painful area, you’re not alone. Both hot and cold therapies can be very beneficial for recovery, but there are some tips to keep in mind when deciding between the two, based on the most recent evidence.
How to Reduce Running Injuries
The thought of getting hurt or becoming injured while running is rarely thought of during the early days of childhood. Running as we get older becomes used for different goals, from using running for our cardio-vascular training for sports, and as a leisure activity to stay in shape.
Returning-to-Sport after Covid-19
Athletes and sport organizations alike face a tremendous challenge when dealing with the Covid-19 virus. The SARS-COV-2 virus is a multi-organ pathogen, which can sometimes leave long-term effects on the lungs, heart, brain, liver and kidneys.
Concussions
Have you or someone you know suffered a concussion? Rather than providing a comprehensive resource on Concussions here, we have chosen to provide links to two excellent Canadian Websites who are funded to stay current on latest research developments and have full time staff to educate people on recognizing , diagnosing, and managing concussions.
How to Manage an Immediate Injury
What is done in the first 24-48 hours following an athletic injury is very important and can often reduce the time of recovery by weeks. As always, if you have a significant injury you should seek medical attention immediately, but if you have a sprain or strain, the acronym P.O.L.I.C.E. can be used to help guide you in managing the immediate injury to encourage speedy recovery.
The Importance of Cool-Downs
Cooling down after your workout lets your heart rate and blood pressure slowly recover to pre-exercise levels. It helps your body effective recover from exercise. The by- products in muscles from exercise create delayed onset muscle soreness, fatigue, and even potentially overuse injuries.
What is Athletic Fitness Testing and Why is it done?
As sport and exercise professionals we often get asked by parents and athletes why fitness testing is performed and what is it used for? Physical testing has many functions, and is essential for training and developing athletes. We will discuss the reasons to test, as well as some of the common tests implemented in sport development programs.
Pre-Game Warmup Activation
Warm-ups have been a part of the sports world for a long time because it helps athletes to prepare physically, mentally, prevent injuries, and enhance performance. It wakes up the body’s communication system between the nervous system and muscular system to ready the body for activity and gets the athlete on the road to success.