Posts

My Recent Blogs

Early Specialization & Growth Plate Injuries: What’s the Connection?

Image
 Youth sports have become more competitive than ever. Many children now focus on a single sport from a very young age, training year-round with the hope of achieving excellence. While dedication is important, early sports specialization comes with significant risks—one of the most concerning being growth plate injuries . As a sports medicine doctor, I frequently see young athletes sidelined by preventable injuries related to overuse and improper training during growth years. Understanding the connection between early specialization and growth plate injuries is essential for parents, coaches, and young athletes. What Is Early Sports Specialization? Early sports specialization refers to intensive training in a single sport before puberty , usually with: Year-round participation High training volume Little or no involvement in other sports Examples include: A child playing only cricket or football throughout the year Gymnasts or tennis players training competit...

Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFR): Performance Benefits, Risks, and Safety Guidelines

Image
Why Prehabilitation Matters in Sports Medicine   Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training is an innovative exercise technique that has gained significant popularity in sports performance, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy . By partially restricting blood flow to working muscles using specialized cuffs or bands, BFR allows individuals to achieve muscle strength and hypertrophy using low loads , making it especially valuable for injured patients and athletes. However, like any advanced training method, BFR comes with potential risks if used incorrectly. This article explores the performance benefits, clinical applications, risks, and safety considerations of Blood Flow Restriction Training. What Is Blood Flow Restriction Training? Blood Flow Restriction Training involves applying a pneumatic cuff or elastic band to the upper arms or thighs during exercise to partially restrict venous blood flow while allowing arterial inflow. This creates a hypoxic (low oxygen) environment in ...

Prehabilitation in Sports Medicine: How Prehab Prevents Injuries & Improves Athletic Performance

Image
Why Prehabilitation Matters in Sports Medicine In modern sports medicine , the focus is no longer limited to treating injuries after they occur. A proactive approach— Prehabilitation (Prehab) —has become a cornerstone of injury prevention and performance optimization. Prehabilitation refers to targeted exercise programs designed to prepare the body for sport, reduce injury risk, and enhance recovery , especially before intense training, competition, or surgery. What Is Prehabilitation (Prehab)? Prehabilitation is a preventive sports medicine strategy that aims to: Identify muscular imbalances Improve joint stability and mobility Enhance neuromuscular control Reduce the likelihood of sports injuries Unlike rehabilitation, which focuses on recovery after injury, prehab focuses on strengthening weak links before injury occurs . Why Prehab Is Essential in Sports Medicine Sports medicine doctors commonly see injuries that could have been avoided with proper preparati...

Understanding SLAP Lesions: Types, Symptoms & Why Athletes Are at Risk

Image
What Is a SLAP Lesion? A SLAP Lesion (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) is an injury to the top part of the shoulder labrum , where the biceps tendon attaches . The labrum works like a rubber gasket that stabilizes the shoulder joint. When it tears, the shoulder can become painful, unstable, and weak—especially during overhead movements. SLAP injuries are especially common among: ✔ Baseball pitchers ✔ Volleyball players ✔ Swimmers ✔ Tennis and badminton players ✔ Weightlifters ✔ Throwing athletes Why Do SLAP Lesions Occur? SLAP injuries are usually caused by: Repetitive overhead motions Sudden traction on the arm (e.g., during a fall) Heavy lifting Forceful throwing Degeneration due to aging For athletes, the main reason is the extreme stress placed on the biceps anchor during repeated throwing or overhead strokes. Types of SLAP Lesions SLAP tears are classified into four major types , each with different characteristics and treatment considera...

Osgood–Schlatter Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment for Young Athletes

Image
Is your child or teenage athlete complaining of pain just below the kneecap — especially after running, jumping, or climbing stairs? They might be suffering from Osgood–Schlatter Disease (OSD) — one of the most common causes of knee pain in adolescents , particularly those involved in sports like football, basketball, gymnastics, and athletics . Although the name sounds complex, this condition is a temporary growth-related issue , not a disease in the infectious sense. With early diagnosis and proper management, young athletes can return to their sport pain-free and stronger. ⚕️ What Is Osgood–Schlatter Disease? Osgood–Schlatter Disease is an overuse injury that affects the tibial tubercle , the small bony bump at the top of the shinbone (tibia) where the patellar tendon attaches. When a child is growing rapidly, the bones, muscles, and tendons grow at different rates. Repeated stress from running and jumping causes the tendon to pull on the growth plate at the tibial tubercle...

🏋️ Core Exercises and Their Importance in Sports

Image
  What Are Core Exercises? Core exercises target the muscles around your abdomen, back, and hips. These muscles include the abs, obliques, lower back, and glutes , all of which stabilize your body and connect upper and lower movements. Unlike traditional workouts that only focus on isolated muscles, core training improves overall body strength, balance, and coordination , making it essential for athletes across all sports. Why Core Strength Is Important in Sports 1. Improves Stability and Balance A strong core provides a solid foundation for movements such as running, jumping, or changing directions—crucial skills for athletes. 2. Enhances Power and Performance Whether it’s a football kick, a tennis swing, or a basketball jump, every movement begins in the core. Stronger core muscles help transfer power efficiently throughout the body. 3. Reduces the Risk of Sports Injuries Weak core muscles often cause back pain, knee stress, and hip instability. Strengthening the core p...

How Sports Injuries Can Lead to Osteoarthritis Over Time

Image
  Introduction Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often push their bodies to the limit — which brings incredible rewards, but also a higher risk of injury. While most sports injuries can be treated effectively, some may silently pave the way toward a long-term condition: osteoarthritis (OA). Understanding how sports injuries are connected to osteoarthritis is essential—not just for recovery, but for long-term joint health and mobility. Here, we’ll explore the link and how timely care from the best sports medicine doctor can help prevent this degenerative condition. What Is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease that causes the breakdown of cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of bones. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement . How Sports Injuries Contribute to Osteoarthritis 1. Joint Trauma Injuries like ACL tears, meniscus damage, or shoulder dislocations can directly affec...