5 Things Kids Learn from School Sports

5 Things Kids Learn From School Sports

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Everyone knows that school sports are a great way for kids to develop physical skills, exercise, make new friends, have fun, and learn to be a team member. But there are other benefits you may not even be aware of.

Read on for the top 5 things your child can gain by participating in school sports.

Leadership Skills

As students advance through the ranks of the high school team, they learn valuable leadership skills. Senior athletes are expected to encourage younger team members and hold them accountable. They set an example and often provide advice and guidance both on and off the field. These leadership skills can serve your children well as they grow into adulthood.

Improved Academics

Some parents worry that participation in sports and other extracurriculars will detract from their child’s academic performance. In reality, the opposite has been proven to be true. Sports participation is associated with higher GPAs and lower drop-out rates than their non-athlete peers. Some studies have found that students who were active in sports like soccer or football (even skateboarding!) performed 10 percent better in core subjects.

Positive Mentors

High school athletics are filled with positive mentors, from the coaches and athletic trainers on the sidelines to the leaders on the team. Students are taught important lessons about hard work, respect and good sportsmanship. Early experiences with mentors like these help shape student athletes in positive ways for the rest of their lives.

Time Management

Practice and games do take up plenty of a student’s time, leaving less time for school work and other activities. Athletes must learn time management skills if they are to get everything finished. These time management skills can come in handy for college or full-time employment.

Build Healthy Habits That Will Last a Lifetime

Did you know that children who participate in sports are more likely to be active as adults? The benefits of consistent activity can include having stronger muscles and bones, decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, lowering blood pressure and a general better outlook on life.

School sports aren’t just enormously fun: they can teach your child lessons that can carry them successfully through life. If you’re looking for more support, Orthopedic Institute is proud to support high school athletes.

9 Questions with Aaron Olson & Paul Kreber

9 Questions with PTs Aaron Olson and Paul Kreber

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This week, we’re meeting two of our premier physical therapists: Aaron Olson and Paul Kreber. Aaron and Paul are part of our strong PT team, both in-house at Orthopedic Institute, as well as off-site at the OI/D1 Sports Training Institute.

Read on to learn more about their favorite things about working at OI and what they would tell every patient before they walk in their office doors.

Paul Kreber, PT, MS, SCS, CAFS

  • Physical Therapist
  • Bachelor of Science, South Dakota State University
  • Master of Science, University of South Dakota, PT, MS,
  • Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) , One of Only Five in the State of South Dakota
  • Certification in Applied Functional Science (CAFS)

Aaron Olson, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, SFMA, FMSC

  • Physical Therapist
  • Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (OCS)
  • Bachelor of Arts, Northwestern College
  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • Functional Movement Systems Certification (FMSC)
  • Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)

How did you decide to become a PT?

AO: I got my leg stuck in an auger the summer before my freshman year in high school. I tore it up pretty good and had to do physical therapy for the first time in my life. I had an awesome PT that I am still in touch with, and he got me ready to play basketball later that fall.

PK: Once I figured out in high school that I wasn’t going to become a professional athlete, I started looking into careers that would allow me to possibly work with an athletic population. I liked the idea of an active job and, in a way, to promote ways to improve the health and wellbeing of others. Physical therapy became a natural fit.

What led you to join the Orthopedic Institute team?

AO: I was looking for a place that really valued its patients. Several places seemed to only care about numbers, since they would schedule me with a patient every 15 minutes. Orthopedic Institute purposely allows me more one-on-one time with each of my patients, which I believe allows better outcomes for them. I was also looking for a place where I would be able to continue to use my athletic training background. By working with OI, I am able to help cover local, high-school events.

PK: More than seven years ago I had the opportunity to join Orthopedic Institute in a rather unusual circumstance. A good friend of mine suffered an injury and, while rehabbing at OI, found out that OI was looking to hire another physical therapist. He contacted me, which led to a phone call to Brad Pfeifle, VP of Sports Medicine. An unfortunate situation for my friend ended up being extremely beneficial to me.

What is your favorite part of your job?

AO: The best part of my job is seeing my patients get back to doing the things they love to do in life, whether it be playing sports, working out or just going for a walk without pain.

PK: There are several factors I enjoy, but by far the best is that my job allows me to meet so many different people within not only the immediate Sioux Falls region, but also across the state of South Dakota and beyond. Everyone has a unique story. It is very rewarding to be in a position where you are helping people of all ages and walks of life through challenging circumstances.

What do you feel are the strengths of Orthopedic Institute’s PT team?

AO: We are able to collaborate in order to best serve our patients. The collective knowledge that our team possesses is very extensive and includes a wide range of areas. If I can’t solve a problem, or have a question I can’t answer, I know one of my coworkers will be able to help me.

PK: I am also very fortunate to be surrounded by committed colleagues that want to do what is best for their clients. Several, including myself, have advanced certifications that demonstrate a commitment serving our client base. I have also found it incredibly beneficial to have such direct interactions with physicians. I have worked in a variety of settings throughout my career. Orthopedic Institute delivers, hands-down, the most comprehensive and complete type of medical care.

What is the best part about working with patients?

AO: The best part of working with patients is the same as my favorite part of working at OI. I love helping my patients improve and reach their goals.

PK: The best part of working with patients is assisting them through the recovery process. Whether it is a young athlete attempting to return to a school sport, or a senior citizen recuperating from a knee replacement, I get to hopefully experience the final product as clients return to prior function.

If you could tell every patient one thing before they came in, what would it be?

AO: I can’t fix you. My job is to empower you with the tools and education you need so that you are able to reach your goals and also maintain the gains that are made throughout your rehab process through your life.

PK: Trust the rehab process. Be patient. Perform your home program. Recovery, whether it is from an injury, accident, general wear and tear or surgery, takes time. The body needs time to heal, and everyone heals at a different rate. Try not to compare your situation to others’, as everyone’s circumstances will be different.

How do you spend your time when you’re not at Orthopedic Institute?

AO: Hunting, fishing, dog training, playing basketball, working out, reading and spending time with my wife, friends and family

What is your go-to movie theatre snack?

AO: Actually, I don’t remember the last time I got a snack at the movie other than a Coke – I’m kind of a health nut.

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

AO: I studied abroad in Ecuador when I was a senior in college.

PK: People may be surprised to learn that I taught high school chemistry and coached at Sioux Falls O’Gorman High School for five years prior to attending PT school at the University of South Dakota.

Brad Pfeifle

Get to Know Brad Pfeifle

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It may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s about as close to fact as you can get – everyone at Orthopedic Institute loves Brad.

Ask almost any athlete in the region, and if they have had an injury, they have probably been to Brad Pfeifle at OI. Brad is a true ambassador of OI, serving as the Vice President of Sports Medicine and Rehab Services and leading more than 30 people in his departments.

So what makes this true OI staple special? Let’s dive in, shall we…

What’s makes Brad great?

Our very own orthopedic surgeon Peter Looby perhaps says it best:

“Brad is the best athletic trainer I’ve known in 40 years of being treated by and working closely with trainers, from high school to the NFL. No one individual is responsible for more internal referrals to OI than Brad. Sometimes I think he literally knows everyone in the state. If you walk through a crowd at a sporting event with Brad, it’s likely to take 40 minutes to travel 100 feet, because everyone stops to talk to him.”

What makes Brad a great trainer?

So Brad clearly makes a lasting impression – but how? Well, whether you are a weekend warrior, a high school athlete or someone who earns a living playing a sport, Brad will work you to your own 100 percent effort. And he’ll offer great advice along the way and have you feeling and performing like you never have before. (And the fact that he’s professional and personable certainly doesn’t hurt!)

One of Brad’s own trainees Mark Ovenden knows all this first-hand. He was playing racquetball on a Sunday with a good friend who happened to blow out his Achilles. He called Brad on a Sunday and, even though he had never met Mark’s friend, got him in a boot that night and in surgery Monday morning.

That’s what Brad does – he strives to make sure everyone else is in good shape.

But what about Brad outside of work?

Since it’s June and we recently celebrated Father’s Day, it’s only fitting we hit the job that Brad is most proud of – raising two daughters, Sophie and Olivia. Brad says it is hard to talk about his girls without tearing up – take it directly from him:

“Raising my girls has many similarities to working with athletes. Some days they need a kick in the pants, and some days they need a hug. They put up with me being gone a lot with my work and never complain about it. My wife and I cherish all of the great memories they have given us and look forward to all of the new adventures. I am so proud of my girls because they have become such loving, caring and passionate young women.”

When you ask the Pfeifle girls about their dad, they just light up with enthusiasm and love for him:

“He is one of the most influential people in our lives. He works so hard, and when he comes home he always has time for us. People ask us all of the time if he is the same at home as he is at work, and we tell them he is the same genuine, fun-loving guy! We love his motto that we’re sure his patients hear all of the time, and that is, ‘When in doubt, knees out.’ But the saying we love hearing from him every day is, ‘I love you.’”

 Brad is just one of the many great, highly qualified trainers we have on-hand at Orthopedic Institute – get to know what our team has to offer.

10 Ways to Be a Great Sports Parent

10 Ways to Be a Great Sports Parent

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You’re your own child’s biggest cheering section – there’s no doubt about that. But when it comes to being a great sports-parent, it’s more than wearing their number, painting your face and shouting some “rah-rahs.”

Keep these tips in mind when encouraging the student athletes in your home to be safe, happy and successful.

Stretching

There’s virtually no better way to avoid injury as a student athlete, or anyone for that matter, than by stretching before exercising. Going hard at a workout is many student athletes’ tendency, but don’t let them get away with skipping this key pre-exercise step or they may risk injury or strain.

Goals

Communication is key. Talk to your student athletes about his or her goals – strength, calorie-burning, game performance, workout routines – and share in helping to meet them. If you know your child’s athletic goals, your encouragement will be much more meaningful and their commitment will flourish.

Hydration

When you work hard, you need fuel to keep your body going. And the most important fuel your student athlete needs is water. Lots of it. If he or she is in the midst of a hardcore training program, skip juices and sodas and maximize water intake.

Walking

It’s always a good idea to mix in moderate physical activity with strenuous activities like competitions and intense workouts. Advise your student athlete to walk or bike places throughout the day, as opposed to hopping in a car for short trips. It’ll keep them loose and stretch out their legs before heading back to the gym the next day.

Square meals

Food is hugely important in keeping your student athlete going through practices, workouts and competitions. Make sure he or she is eating small, protein- and “good carb”-rich meals frequently throughout the day. (And don’t forget to fuel after a strenuous event, too – don’t wait much longer than an hour to replenish proteins!) If you’re looking for a delicious post-workout snack, many scientists suggest chocolate milk.

Multi-sport play

It’s easy to think that playing one sport will build talent and focus. However, research shows that it actually increases the likelihood that your child will experience an injury. Encourage your child to work different muscle groups, as well as learn different skills, by participating in more than one sport throughout the year.

Safety

Your kids can get gung-ho about a sport they really love, so much so that they might consider themselves “tough enough” to skip precaution all together. But athletic prowess is never an excuse to skip out on safety equipment – from helmets, to padding to proper footwear, make sure your student athlete is protecting him or herself.

Breaks

Even though it might be easy to let your world totally revolve around athletics when you’re a sports-parent, don’t forget to encourage your student athlete to take breaks to enjoy other hobbies and interests. Burnout can have a negative effect on performance, both physically and mentally, so stress the importance of sport breaks.

Immunizations

Depending on the time of year, flu season might coincide with your student athlete’s seasonal sport of choice. Catching the flu can knock them down for the count for as long as weeks, so keep your child up to date on his or her immunizations, including the flu shot, to help them stay healthy all season long.

Rest

At the end of the day, a student athlete’s body needs rest after rigorous physical activity. Whether it’s some relaxation during daytime off-hours or a proper amount of sleep overnight, rest allows their bodies to repair and replenish themselves for the next day. (That means avoiding caffeine, electronic screens, eating immediately before bedtime.) 

 

Knowing the right suggestions and decisions to make for your athletic child isn’t always easy – Orthopedic Institute can help you take great care of the student athletes in your life. 

Orthopedic Institute/ D1 Groundbreaking

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Announcing (weather permitting this time),  the groundbreaking of our new D1 Sports training facility! Along with our other partners, we will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, June 25th, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.

Location: NW corner of 69th and Southeastern.

AGENDA
Welcome………………………………………………………………Tom Simmons, Master of Ceremonies
Past Chairman
Board of Directors, Sioux Falls Development Foundation
Remarks:
Council Member Southeast District
City of Sioux Falls………………………………………………………………………..Honorable Rick Kiley

Treasurer
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce……………………………………………………….Tyler Haahr

Senior Principal
Legacy Development and Consulting Co………………………………………………………Norm Drake

CEO
GreatLife……………………………………………………………………………………………………….Tom Walsh

Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist
Orthopedic Institute
OI-D1 Sports Training of Sioux Falls, LLC……………………………..Keith Baumgarten, M.D.

CEO
Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital (Midwest Family Care)………………………….Blake Curd, MD.

CEO/President
Sioux Falls Storm……………………………………………………………………………………..Todd Tryon

The Groundbreaking

Closing Comments—Tom Simmons

Orthopedic Institute/ D1 Groundbreaking Rescheduled

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Groundbreaking rescheduled due to possibility of severe weather.  New date and time have been set: Thursday, June 25th, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.

Location: NW corner of 69th and Southeastern.

AGENDA

Welcome…………………………………………………………………Dale Froehlich, Master of Ceremonies
Vice Chairman
Board of Directors, Sioux Falls Development Foundation
Remarks:

Council Member Southeast District
City of Sioux Falls…………………………………………………………………………….Honorable Rick Kiley
Treasurer
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce…………………………………………………………..Tyler Haahr
Senior Principal
Legacy Development and Consulting Co………………………………………………………….Norm Drake
CEO
Great Life……………………………………………………………………………………………………….Tom Walsh
Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist
Orthopedic Institute
OI-D1 Sports Training of Sioux Falls, LLC………………………………………Keith Baumgarten, M.D.
CEO
Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital (Midwest Family Care)………………………………..Blake Curd, M.D.
CEO/President
Sioux Falls Storm……………………………………………………………………………………………Todd Tryon

The Groundbreaking

Closing Comments—Dale Froehlich

In Pursuit of the Perfect Game: It Might not be Your Swing that Needs Correcting  

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Article by Brianna Venekamp, Sioux Falls Woman

Photos by Julie Prairie Photography, Sioux Falls

Professional athletes don’t run onto the field, dash onto the court or hit the course without proper training and a good warm-up. Yet a familiar sight on golf courses everywhere is golfers paying their fees at the clubhouse before heading straight to the first tee.

“The golf swing puts a tremendous amount of stress and force on the spine, putting golfers at a higher risk for back injuries,” explains Dr. Peter Looby, an orthopedic surgeon at the Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls. “Making sure your technique is sound and that you’ve taken steps to strengthen your core muscles in the off-season is the best thing you can do to help prevent unnecessary injuries.”

Dr. Looby acknowledges that hiring a personal trainer and setting up private lessons with a golf instructor is a best-case scenario that not everyone can do. However, everyone can take some steps to improve their performance before taking that first swing.

“One thing everyone is capable of doing is taking time to warm up before they hit that first shot,” Dr. Looby says.

But he cautions that even that science is changing. In recent years, researchers have learned that static stretching—the technique of holding a stretch for 20-30 seconds to lengthen and prime the muscles before intense activity—is wrong.

“Research has shown that static stretching can actually weaken your muscle by decreasing its capacity to output power,” Dr. Looby explains.  “In fact, static stretching prior to a dynamic activity like golf can actually decrease performance rather than enhance it.”

That’s one of the reasons the orthopedic Institute has partnered with GreatLife Malaska Golf & Fitness to create a golf warm-up routine.

Dynamic stretching consists of using sport-specific movements to prepare the body for activity. It involves moving through ranges of motion and holding each position for only one to five seconds. These movements often mimic the positions and movements that are involved in the actual activity—in this case, golf. The speed and reach of the movement can be increased with repetition as the muscles heat up.

“The key is to keep the stretch moving,” Dr. Looby says. “A five-minute brisk walk, or monster walks, one right after another, instead of static quad stretches, improves blood flow and slowly prepares the muscle to do the same action at a faster speed.”

Knowing the difference between static and dynamic stretching exercises and performing them consistently (and properly) will increase your range of motion, your power, and ultimately, might even reduce your handicap!

 

Keith Baumgarten M.D. Receives Sports Injury Research Award

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Keith M. Baumgarten MD, Sports Injury Research Award

Keith M. Baumgarten, M.D. was awarded the 2014 O’Donoghue Sports Injury Research Award.

Keith Baumgarten M.D. Receives Sports Injury Research Award

Keith M. Baumgarten, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Orthopedic Institute was awarded the 2014 O’Donoghue Sports Injury Research Award.

The prestigious award is given annually to the best overall paper that deals with clinical based research or human in-vivo research.

This year’s winning research was entitled “Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Graft Choice Impact on Outcome in the Multi-Center ACL Revision (MARS) Cohort.”

The study, which analyzed the impact of using a patient’s own autograft tissue verses a cadaver graft for ACL replacement, demonstrated better patient reported outcomes and a decreased retear rate if a patient’s own tissue was utilized.

Baumgarten Repeats as Research Award Winner

This is the third research award for Dr. Baumgarten and the MARS group in four years.

The Multicenter ACL Revision Study (MARS) was established in 2006 and consists of 87 surgeons from over 52 sites across the United States and Canada who are interested in outcomes following an ACL revision surgery.

About the O’Donoghue Sports Injury Research Award

The O’Donoghue Sports Injury Research Award was named after Don H. O’Donoghue, MD who is known as the Father of Sports Medicine in the United States. His early work on knee injuries led to the development of the subspecialty and started the interest in the care of athletes.

The awardee is selected by the AOSSM Awards Subcommittee with recipients receiving $2,000. AOSSM annually provides more than $350,000 to research initiatives and projects around the country.

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) is a world leader in sports medicine education, research, communication and fellowship, and includes national and international orthopaedic sports medicine leaders.

The Society works closely with many other sports medicine specialists, including athletic trainers, physical therapists, family physicians, and others to improve the identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries. AOSSM is also a founding partner of the STOP Sports Injuries campaign to prevent overuse and traumatic injuries in kids.