7 Healthcast: Sports injuries

Back to school means back to juggling homework, activities and sports.

And kids are playing more and more sports.

Jennifer Green, Spaulding Rehabilitation
"There are a lot of children that are playing recreational sports and a club sport and if they are doing that 4, 5, 6 times a week, then their body isn't getting enough recovery time."

That was the case for one Franklin family.

Maria Cole, mom
"My daughter Fiona is 15 and is involved in volleyball and dance. And my son Sean is 12 and he plays lacrosse, hockey & baseball."

That's why Spaulding Rehabilitation came up with a new program aimed at helping kids condition and train to avoid injuries.

Jennifer Green, Spaulding Rehabilitation
"What we try and do in our program is not only treat the injury, but also treat the whole body."

Fifteen year old Fiona has had her share of injuries.

Fiona Cole, student athlete
"I broke my foot in 6th and 7th grade. I broke my left foot and then my right foot again"

She says the program at Spaulding helped her.

Fiona Cole, student athlete
"It's definitely made me stronger, my core is stronger and I have gotten better at both volleyball and dance."
 
The program focuses on all aspects of the child's training, including strength training and nutrition and is based on each individual athlete.

Experts say it's important for parents to be aware of their own child's needs.

Jennifer Green, Spaulding Rehabilitation
"Are the kids getting the basic strength and conditioning that's needed, to be aware of what's happening in their programs and a good knowledge of the child's health."

And parents agree.

Maria Cole, mom
"I think you have to let them lead you to what they want to do, but you have to be the parent and learn to say no."

If you think your child could benefit from having a personalized program put together by the pros at Spaulding, they are having an open house for parents on November 10th at Spaulding in Framingham.

Open House Information
Tuesday, November 10 at 6 pm.
Spaulding Framingham
570 Worcester Road (Route 9) Framingham, MA 01702
For More Information Contact:
Leah Jensen
508-532-4262

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