You Can Help Prevent Sports Injuries

For Immediate Release

09/02/2008

Courier Newsletter, Fall


From hockey to soccer, to skiing and walking, you or someone you know actively participates in a sport. Unfortunately injuries can result – some minor (bruises, sprains and strains) and some more serious (muscle tears, stress fractures, etc.).  Vin Faraci, Certified Athletic Trainer at Copley Hospital notes that an important preventative solution is proper conditioning prior to beginning the sport or activity.  “A conditioning program helps to develop the body, allowing the athlete to become more efficient in whatever their sport or activity might be.  This type of exercise helps to improve muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and cardio respiratory fitness.” 

Faraci noted that benefits of conditioning include reduced risk of injury as well as overall improvement of performance and physical fitness.  “Whether you are an athlete or someone who enjoys walking, biking, skiing, working out at a gym or participating in other recreational activities, conditioning is important.”    

The type of conditioning can vary depending on the activity or sport.  For example, cross-country runners may focus more on endurance training such as three to five mile runs while soccer players should include both sprinting,  such as short sprints of 10 to 100 yards and sustained running including longer efforts like half-mile repeats.  Regardless of your sport, Faraci said that all athletes should be strong in all their major muscle groups.  “In addition, especially for our younger athletes, parents should ensure their children’s coaches have adequate qualifications to help with proper conditioning for that sport.”   

In addition to providing Athletic Training services at Copley, Faraci spearheads Copley’s preventive program for athletes at three area high schools.  This program provides athletic training services, including injury prevention, evaluation and injury management as well as rehabilitation to high school athletes.  “As an Athletic Trainer, one of the most important things I can stress is to prepare for your sport with a pre-season conditioning program that incorporates exercises for strength and endurance,” says Faraci.  “We all enjoy seeing our local athletes play, and we want them to be safe and healthy while they compete.”

Contact Information
Leah Hollenberger
Senior Director Development, Marketing & Public Relations
Copley Health Systems
802-888-8301
lhollenberger@chsi.org