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Chances are that you know, have, or were a youth athlete. Chances also are that you know, have, or were a youth athlete that got injured while playing youth sports. The American College of Sports Medicine’s statement on Youth Strength Training says:

“The goal of youth strength training should be to improve the musculoskeletal strength and general fitness of children and adolescents while exposing them to a
variety of safe, effective and fun training methods. Strength training should be one part of a wellrounded fitness program that also includes endurance, flexibility, agility and skill-building exercises. Properly designed and competently supervised youth strength training programs may not only increase the muscular strength of children and adolescents, but may also enhance motor fitness skills (e.g., sprinting and jumping) and sports performance. Research
evidence indicates that participation in a well-rounded fitness program that includes strength training may also decrease the incidence of some sports-related injuries by increasing the strength of tendons, ligaments and bone.”

What is Youth Sports Performance at Change the Game?

Youth Sports Performance is something new to many parents and athletes. It’s a type of training that SHOULD be geared toward preventing injury in our youth athletes as they pursue a greater level of competitive work and throughout every stage of development. At Change the Game we aim to reduce the risk of injury for our youth athletes by encouraging proper training that helps them build a base of stability, balance, and core control BEFORE they start lifting. We know the many benefits of lifting weights for athletes of all sports, but we also understand that an injury at a young age can cause a host of problems down the line and into adulthood.

This is why every youth athlete in our Sports Performance Training program receives BASELINE TESTING before we begin programming or training. Baseline testing allows our coaches and clinicians to assess the athlete where they are and determine the next steps in their programming journey.

What happens during Baseline Testing?

For our youth athletes Baseline Testing can include:

• Range of Motion (ROM) tests for flexibility
• Single Leg Movements to assess balance and coordination
• Agility drills for balance, coordination, and reaction time
• Sprint testing for speed
• And a general movement screen in the basic lift patterns to assess muscular strength and imbalances that need to be addressed before athletes are loaded during lifts

Baseline testing is a wonderful tool because athletes can be retested on these same elements regularly throughout the year to assess progress and identify areas of change for the better or worse. This is especially important when training young athletes as they are still growing and developing. Programming should be geared towards their unique abilities to further mitigate their risk of injury and a baseline profile paired with regular testing provides that information.

How is this different from a Coach’s Consult?

Baseline testing is one part of the first session for an athlete working at Change the Game. During an initial Coach’s Consult we will also assess the following:

• Goals of the athlete
• Common injuries in that sport
• Experience level
• Family time commitment
• Social and individual interactions

Youth athlete training should be geared around a foundation of success. At Change the Game we consider all elements of a youth athlete’s life to encourage multi-sport play and a strength and conditioning component that supports all they wish to achieve. We offer individual training and small group youth sports performance training options.

FAQ

Q1. How do I know if my athlete needs sports performance training?

A1. Youth Sports Performance Training at Change the Game is right for all youth athletes ages middle school and up.

Q2. What does a typical coaching session look like?

A2. Training sessions can vary depending on the athlete’s goals and the sport they play. After the coach’s consultation, the Head Strength and Conditioning coach will give you a brief rundown as to how the program will be set up for the athlete.

Q3. Is it better for my athlete to do individual or group training?

A3. It depends on the athlete, their level of interest, skill, and commitment. It also depends on if they are in season or out of season and where the athletes in our current groups are developmentally and during their seasons. The only way to get a good feel for what the best option is would be to start with the Coach’s Consult.

How do we get started?

• Check out our Youth Sports Performance page for more details on our offerings
• Request a Youth Athlete Screen including Baseline Testing and Coach’s Consult
• If an athlete is already injured, request a Physical Therapy Evaluation first – We can get them back to playing sooner and pain free!

Physical therapy is a cornerstone in the management of sciatica, designed to alleviate pain, and muscle spasms, improve mobility and range of motion, and strengthen the body to prevent future episodes. Its effectiveness, in addressing the questions “Does physical therapy help sciatica?” or “Does physical therapy work for sciatica?” lies in its tailored approach, addressing the root cause of sciatica rather than just masking symptoms.

Through a combination of manual therapy, physical therapy exercises, and education on body mechanics, physical therapy empowers individuals to manage their condition and reclaim their mobility, clearly demonstrating that physical therapy does indeed help.

Treatment for Sciatica

The treatment for sciatica in a physical therapy program often leads patients to wonder “How long does physical therapy take for sciatica,” may include exercises for sciatica that focus on relieving sciatica pain and improving function. This comprehensive approach may involve spinal manipulation, myofascial release to reduce muscle tension, and exercises that emphasize keeping the feet flat to engage the stomach muscles more effectively.

Additionally, conservative treatments such as applying cold packs or a heating pad placed on your piriformis muscle, electrical nerve stimulation (use of electrical current to reduce muscle spasms), and anti-inflammatories can provide immediate relief for current pain. The duration of physical therapy for sciatica can vary, reflecting the individual’s condition severity and response to treatment. In rare cases, when sciatica causes severe weakness, loss of bladder control, or severe pain that does not improve with conservative methods, surgery may be considered.

Physical Therapy Techniques for Treating Sciatica

Exercises
Exercises play a crucial role in the treatment and management of sciatica pain. They not only provide immediate relief but also help prevent future re-injury. Physical therapists often recommend a combination of dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises, extension and flexion back exercises, isometric exercises, isotonic exercises, McKenzie’s technique, and functional retraining to alleviate sciatica symptoms and promote long-term healing.

• Extension and Flexion Back Exercises: These exercises focus on increasing spinal movement and relieving pain. Extension exercises involve arching the back gently, while flexion exercises involve forward bending movements. By performing these exercises, the spine’s flexibility and range of motion are improved, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve and alleviating pain.
• Isometric Exercises: Isometric exercises involve contracting muscles without moving the joints. Examples include holding a plank or a bridge position. These exercises can be particularly beneficial during acute flare-ups of sciatica symptoms. By strengthening the muscles without putting excessive strain on the joints, isometric exercises help support the spine and alleviate pain.
• Isotonic Exercises: Isotonic exercises involve contracting muscles to resist a constant load. Resistance bands and weight training are commonly used in isotonic exercises. Through constant resistance to specific motions, isotonic exercises help increase muscle strength. Strengthening the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, hips, and legs helps stabilize the spine and reduce the risk of re-injury.
• McKenzie’s Technique: The McKenzie Method is a specialized approach to physical therapy that redirects radiating pain through targeted exercises. By identifying and addressing the underlying cause of sciatica, this technique helps relieve pain and provide treatments for people suffering from sciatica. Physical therapists trained in the McKenzie Method can guide individuals through specific exercises that are tailored to their condition and symptoms.
• Functional Retraining: Functional retraining involves reintroducing movements such as lifting, carrying, bending, or squatting. The emphasis is on proper technique and healthy movement patterns to reduce pain and prevent re-injury. By teaching individuals how to perform daily activities safely and efficiently, functional retraining helps restore normal function and enhances the overall quality of life.

Before starting any exercise program for sciatica, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. Performing exercises for sciatica without a proper diagnosis and clearance from a healthcare professional can potentially worsen your condition.

Manual Therapy Techniques

Manual therapy techniques for sciatica may include deep tissue massage targeting the connective tissue to relieve severe pain, joint manipulation to improve mobility, aerobic conditioning to help release endorphins and nerve mobilization techniques. Gait training and ergonomic techniques are also essential components of a comprehensive physical therapy program, helping patients with sciatica adjust their daily activities to reduce stress on the sciatic nerve. Here is more detailed information about these techniques.

Dry needling is a technique performed by certified healthcare providers, where a small needle is inserted into trigger points within the muscle. This technique targets hyper-irritable and hyper-contracted muscle tissue, helping to release tension and alleviate pain. By reducing muscle tightness, dry needling can contribute to the overall improvement of sciatica symptoms.

Nerve mobilization, also known as nerve glides, involves active or passive techniques applied to the affected nerve. By placing the nerve into tension and then releasing it, movement is facilitated, and symptoms are reduced. Nerve mobilization can help improve the mobility and function of the sciatic nerve, leading to pain relief and enhanced overall well-being.

Joint mobilization and manipulation techniques are employed to relieve pain and enhance joint mobility. Through targeted force or pressure, therapists apply quick thrusts or pressure at the end range of joint motion. This promotes pain relief and restores joint movement, aiding in the management of sciatica. Joint mobilization and manipulation can be highly effective in reducing pain and improving joint function.

Soft tissue mobilization involves the manual manipulation of soft tissues such as muscles and fascia. Therapists use techniques like massage and stretching to release tension, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Soft tissue mobilization prepares the body for other therapeutic interventions, enhances the effectiveness of treatment, and promotes overall healing in cases of sciatica.

Gait training is an essential component of physical therapy for sciatica. It involves retraining and optimizing the way a person walks and moves to minimize stress on the affected areas. By improving gait patterns and movement mechanics, gait training helps reduce the strain on the sciatic nerve and other structures, promoting pain relief and functional improvement.

Ergonomic techniques focus on correcting posture and modifying daily activities to prevent or alleviate sciatica symptoms. Physical therapists assess the patient’s posture and lifestyle to identify potential factors contributing to the condition. They then provide recommendations and guidance on proper body mechanics, posture, and ergonomics to minimize stress on the sciatic nerve and promote healing.

Physical Therapy For Sciatica With Change The Game Performance

Change The Game Performance adopts a holistic approach to treating sciatica, combining cutting-edge physical therapy techniques with personalized care plans. Our goal is to not only alleviate your current symptoms but also to provide you with the tools and knowledge to prevent future episodes.

By focusing on both treatment and education, including interventions for pain reduction and managing chronic pain, we ensure our patients achieve lasting relief and an improved quality of life. Contact us today for physical therapy in Wilmington, NC.

Conclusion

Physical therapy offers a range of benefits for people with sciatica, from reducing sciatica pain and muscle tension to enhancing mobility and preventing future episodes of pain. With a personalized physical therapy program that includes a carefully selected exercise program, manual therapy techniques, and conservative treatments, patients can experience significant improvements in pain and functionality. For those suffering from sciatica, engaging in physical therapy exercises and adhering to the guidance of their therapist can be a crucial step towards regaining control over their health and returning to pain-free daily life.

FAQs

What is the best physical therapy for sciatica?
The best physical therapy for sciatica is tailored to the individual’s specific condition, symptoms, and needs, incorporating a mix of exercises and manual therapy techniques. It may include deep tissue massage that targets specific spinal muscles, lumbar spine, hips, and buttocks.

How long does it take physical therapy to help sciatica?
The time frame for improvement can vary, but many patients experience relief within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent physical therapy.

Is it better to rest or exercise with sciatica?
While rest is important in the acute phase of sciatica, guided exercise, and physical activity are crucial for recovery and preventing future episodes.