LFSC Injury/Illness Recovery Plan
Goals
1 create a TEAM approach to injury and illness rehab or recovery
2 foster a “Pre-hab” approach to training to lessen odds of injury
3 build on LFSC strength training/dryland programs and expertise
4 monitor athlete’s progress toward a return to full training and competition
5 engage parents in monitoring both plan and progress
Principles
1 all training and performance must be rooted in good general health, sound structural integrity and positive mental health
2 compromised health leads to lowered training and performance capacities
3 a TEAM approach involving athletes, coaches, parents and medical professionals will lead to better recovery process and lower incidence of future illness/ injury
4 periodic assessment and evaluation of recovery progress is key to full recovery
5 pre-season health and injury screening will lead to lower incidence of injury
THE SORENESS INJURY FATIGUE ILLNESS (SIFI) PLAN
1 SORENESS
a. Is soreness due to normal training stressors?
b. Is soreness due to poor attendance (no adaptation)?
c. Is soreness due to general overuse from multiple activities?
2 INJURY
a. Is this actual physical trauma (joint, cuts, bruises. e.g.)?
b. Is this a Dr. Mom or Dr Doctor referral?
3 FATIGUE
a. Is this injury/ illness due to normal training stressors?
b. Is this injury/ illness due to lack of sleep?
4 ILLNESS
a. Is this a common or serious illness?
b. Is this a Dr. Mom or Dr Doctor referral?
5 ACTION
a. RESET SHORT TERM TRAINING and PERFORMANCE GOALS!
b. Reset longer term goals as appropriate
c. Review pre-season screenings and assessments
Team Action Plan for Recovery
1 SORENESS: generally a short term problem
a. Lowered intensity (volume, frequency, effort, e.g.)
b. Avoidance of specific triggers
2 INJURY: specific trauma or longer-term soreness
a. Refer to medical professional (most responsible course)
b. Engage parents
c. Avoid longer term problems
d. Avoid continued training without modification(s)
e. NO COMPETITION!
f. Re-set medium term (seasonal) goals
3 FATIGUE: general lack or energy or overall drive
a. If due to normal training stressors reduce training intensity (volume, frequency, effort, e.g.) for 1-3 days
b. If due to lack of sleep counsel athlete on time management, educate athlete about the need for adequate sleep, engage parents
4 ILLNESS
a. Is this a Dr. Mom or Dr Doctor referral?
b. Follow appropriate guidance
5 FOLLOW-UP
a. General – follow-up on a 3, 5, 10-day schedule
b. Follow instructions from a medical professional
LFSC RECOVERY/REHAB OPTIONS
1 Options
a. Rehab w/ medical professional off-site
b. Rehab w/ LFSC using medical professional plan
c. Rehab w/ LFSC program
2 Regular assessment and progress monitoring
3 Review training and performance goals
4 Reset goals as needed
a. After 5 days Short Term goals need to be reset
b. After 15 days Seasonal goals need to be reset
c. After 30 days Medium/ Long Term goals need to be reset
Suggestions for Swimmers
1 Soreness and tiredness are a natural part of physical training. It is important to recognize when to “push through” and when to seek medical attention.
2 Illness and injury are not inevitable but unfortunately, occur. It is rare for anyone to navigate a season or career without setback from either.
3 Commit to a return to full training through appropriate action.
4 Understand that you may need to re-set your goals with Coach Michael.