THE CAUSES, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT OF SPORTS INJURIES

From the authority on back exercise and injury prevention, a new approach to rehabilitating common minor sports injuries that advocates movement rather than rest. The bottom line is that such injuries (charley horses, pulled hamstrings, shin splints) are preventable; that if they do occur, exercises can be done that return the affected area to full strength and flexibility. Briefly, Kraus gives us the basics on muscle injury and pointers on distinguishing among the four types of muscle pain--from spasm, from tension, from deficient, overworked muscles, and from triggerpoints (familiar as one of the bases of Kraus' treatment of back pain). For preventing injury, he lays out again the Minimum Sports Fitness tests to do before beginning any activity; simple stretches and an elementary weight training program for arms, legs, and abdomen are also provided to supplement regular exercise programs. Brief comments on the types of injuries most common to such sports as running, tennis, and skiing precede the treatment program: rather than the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) regimen now widely favored, Kraus calls for MECE--movement, ethyl chloride (a local anesthetic sprayed on the skin to decrease pain) or ice massage, elevation. His explanation is careful and clear--especially for the movement/exercise portion which covers arms, legs, neck, and back. A concise presentation from a reliable source that will be a big help to those plagued by common, chronic sports injuries.