Kobe Bryant: A Soccer Fan of FC Barcelona and Ronaldinho
January 30th, 2009 by CoachZ
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- Posted in Club Play, General, La Liga, Soccer Grins, Uncategorized, Videos
Pacino: Any Given Sunday! The master talks life, masquerading as football (American)
January 28th, 2009 by CoachZ
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- Posted in General, Motivation, Uncategorized, Videos
The Collateral (MCL & LCL) and Cruciate ( ACL & PCL) Ligament Injuries
January 23rd, 2009 by CoachZ
COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURIES (MCL & LCL)
In order to better understand medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries, it is important to understand basic knee anatomy and the function of the MCL and the LCL. Please review the section on knee anatomy before reading this section.
Ligaments are like strong ropes that help connect bones together and provide stability to joints. In the knee, there are four main ligaments. On the inner (medial) aspect of the knee is the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and on the outer (lateral) aspect of the knee is the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The other two main ligaments are found in the center of the knee. These paired ligaments are called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). They are called cruciate ligaments because the ACL “crosses” in front of the PCL.
The MCL and the LCL work together with ACL and the PCL to keep the knee joint stable during movement. The MCL and LCL provide support at the inner and outer aspects of the knee while the ACL and the PCL lend support at the center of the knee. Tears of the MCL or LCL may be mild (grade I), moderate (grade II) or severe (grade III). MCL and LCL injuries differ from ACL and PCL injuries in that mild to moderate tears have the ability to heal following injury. Grade III injuries to the MCL or LCL are more serious and are often associated with other knee injuries.
The MCL is usually injured by a “blow” to the outer side of the leg (valgus force). A “blow” to the inner side of the leg (varus force) may injure the LCL. MCL injuries are far more common than LCL injuries and are often seen in contact sports. At the time of the injury there is often immediate pain and sometimes swelling can occur. A “pop” or “snap” may be felt or heard and the knee may feel “unstable” during certain movements.
As mentioned previously MCL or LCL injuries can vary in severity. Tears may be partial (grades I and II) or complete (grade III). Larger tears result in greater instability of the knee joint. Injuries to other structures inside the knee can occur when either the MCL or LCL are injured. The cartilage (menisci) inside the knee can be injured as can the ACL or PCL (the cruciate ligaments). Injuries to other structures are more likely if there was a significant force or if there was a rotational component at the time of injury. A bone injury or fracture can occur, particularly, in young growing athletes.
Examination techniques that detect side to side (valgus-varus) looseness in the knee are effective in detecting collateral ligament tears. Tests that detect forward-backward (anterior-posterior) or rotational looseness can help detect other ligament injuries. X-rays are often done at the time of injury to make sure the bones of the knee are not broken. Tests such as Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) are rarely required for collateral ligament injuries but are occasionally used to rule out other injuries to the knee.
The treatment of MCL and LCL injuries depends on the severity of the injury and other associated injuries. Each treatment plan should be individualized. Initially protection (by use of crutches and/or a rehabilitation brace), rest, ice, compression and elevation (PRICE) of the injury will help reduce pain and/or swelling.
After an MCL or LCL injury, the long term goal is to return the individual back to their previous level of activity. A general knee rehabilitation program which includes strengthening exercises, flexibility exercises, aerobic conditioning, technique refinement and proprioceptive (biofeedback) retraining is the most important factor in achieving this goal. Some people with MCL or LCL injuries report an improved sense of stability when wearing a collateral ligament brace.
Even with the most ideal treatment the knee may never be as “normal” as the uninjured knee and modification of activity may be required. However, doctors and physiotherapists trained in treating MCL and LCL injuries can outline an individualized treatment plan which will maximize the long-term function and stability of the knee.
Note: To read more about collateral and cruciate ligament braces click the link on the sidebar relating to knee braces. Please watch for upcoming blog postings for additional information on ACL and PCL, MCL and LCL injuries. Links will be provided to other websites as well as online medical journals (www.sciencedaily.com is an excellent website for sports medicine medical journals) and brace suppliers. Other knee injury topics should be accessed by your sports medicine practioner, usually and orthopedic surgeon.
PLEASE REMEMBER! THE CONTENTS OF KNEE PAIN INFO, JOINT PAIN INFO AND THEIR LINKS ARE FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. PLEASE SEE THE WEBSITE DISCLAIMERS.
More to follow! Thanks for looking in. CoachZ 216-712-6526, coachz@ultimatesoccertraining.com, ultimateathletictraining@gmail.com.
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Looking Forward to the Women’s Professional Soccer League
January 22nd, 2009 by CoachZ
http://fancorner.womensprosoccer.com
http://www.womensprosoccer.com
About WPS
WPS is the highest level women’s professional soccer league in North America. Formed in September 2007 as the result of the efforts of the Women’s Soccer Initiative, Inc., WPS, which will begin play in April 2009 consists of seven teams across the country.
The markets for the 2009 season are Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. WPS expects to expand to Atlanta and Philadelphia in 2010 and continues to explore additional potential franchises for 2010 and beyond. The WPS team planned for Dallas is now slated to begin play in 2010 as the League continues to work on securing a facility, with the intention that the Team will start play in the League’s second season. More markets will be announced as they are added to the League.
Franchises are individually owned and operated by a group of investors in each market. These include AEG-L.A. Women’s Soccer LLC, Bay Area Women’s Soccer LLC, Boston Women’s Soccer LLC, Chicago Professional Women’s Soccer LLC, Hendricks Investment Holdings LLC (Washington D.C.), St. Louis United Soccer LLC and Sky Blue Women’s Soccer, Inc. (New Jersey/New York).
In addition, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and former Yahoo! President and COO Jeff Mallett are investors and part owners in the league.
Among the firms retained by WPS to provide professional services are:
The inaugural WPS season will kick off in April 2009. At the conclusion of the regular season, a pair of semifinal playoff matches will be held with winners advancing to the WPS Championship Match. A mid-season or post-season All-Star Game will also be staged.
Further updates on the WPS schedule and competition format will be available soon.
WPS History
September 2003: Following the suspension of operations of the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), the WUSA Reorganization Committee is formed to determine the best method to re-launch a women’s professional soccer league in the United States.
July 2004: The WUSA Reorganization Committee, the Women’s Sports Foundation, and business executives Bob Greenberg and Chris Markgraf (both of whom go on to create WSII with Julie Foudy and Tonya Antonucci), hold a Summit in New York City to identify and examine the lessons learned from the WUSA’s failure and to determine the best path forward toward the launch of a viable new league.
November 2004: As a result of the Summit, the not-for-profit Women’s Soccer Initiative, Inc. (WSII) is formed with the support of the WUSA Players Association to promote and support all aspects of women’s soccer in the United States chiefly by encouraging and enabling the creation of a world-class professional women’s soccer league
February 2005: The U.S. Soccer Federation and U.S. Soccer Foundation each provide operational grants to WSII to assist in supporting WSII’s efforts to develop a viable business model and bring back women’s professional soccer.
Feb. 27, 2007: WSII CEO Tonya Antonucci announces that AEG; John Hendricks of Freedom Soccer LLC; Jeff Cooper of St. Louis United Soccer LLC; Soccer Initiative, LLC; Jack Hanks and Brent Coralli of the Dallas Franchise Group and WGLSI, LLC have signed letters of intent to become charter members of the new women’s professional league.
April 18, 2007: WSII CEO Tonya Antonucci announces that Sky Blue Soccer and Boston Women’s Soccer LLC have agreed to join the previously announced groups as charter members of the new women’s professional league.
Sept. 4, 2007: A new North American women’s professional soccer league, under the temporary working title of Women’s Soccer LLC, is formally established in the United States by seven investor groups, with play beginning in the spring of 2009. Initial teams will be based in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington D.C. Tonya Antonucci is named the league’s commissioner. Soccer United Marketing (SUM), the commercial arm of MLS, is named the league’s representative for national sponsorship sales and licensing.
Oct. 15, 2008: The League sets up temporary offices in downtown San Francisco, Calif. and hires Aaron Burch as League Relationships/Development Manager.
Jan. 17, 2008: The League’s brand name, logo and website are launched at the National Soccer Coaches Association Convention in Baltimore, Md. Joe Cummings is named Senior COO Consultant and Vicki Veenker is named General Counsel.
Feb. 5, 2008: Two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and former Yahoo! President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Mallett become investors and part owners of the league.
Feb. 15, 2008: WPS receives provisional Division 1 status at U.S. Soccer’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). The league will receive full Division 1 status just prior to its inaugural season at the 2009 U.S. Soccer AGM in Orlando, Fla.
Feb. 28, 2008: The League moves into its permanent offices at 1000 Brannan St., San Francisco, Calif.
May 27, 2008: Philadelphia investors sign a letter of intent with the League regarding an expansion team for the 2010 season.
July 8, 2008: Women’s Professional Soccer announces the post-Olympics timeline for National Team player allocation, drafts and team tryouts.
Aug. 11, 2008: Atlanta investors sign a letter of intent with the League regarding an expansion team for the 2010 sseason.
Sept. 3, 2008: A group of Bay Area investors join the League for the 2009 inaugural season. The League also announces that the team planned for Dallas is now slated to begin play in 2010 pending the securing of a stadium.
Sept. 16, 2008: In an announcement co-hosted by WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci and WPS Part-Owner and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash in New York City, members of the U.S. Women’s National Team player pool are allocated to WPS teams.
Sept. 24, 2008: Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) announced the results of its WPS Initial International Draft, officially assigning the WPS-playing rights of those selected by the individual teams.
Oct. 6, 2008: Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) and Fox Soccer Channel announced a multi-year partnership to televise a live national Sunday night WPS game of the week on America’s premier soccer network beginning in 2009, the inaugural season for WPS.
Oct. 6, 2008: The WPS General Draft was conducted and consisted of four rounds of selections of international and domestic players for all seven WPS teams.
Dec. 15, 2008: Global sportlifestyle brand PUMA and Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) announced an exclusive partnership making PUMA an official founding partner of WPS and an official sponsor of all WPS franchises.
Dec. 16, 2008: Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) today announced its opening game and slate of home openers for the inaugural 2009 WPS Season. Headlining the list of games is the “WPS Inaugural Match” featuring the Los Angeles Sol against the Washington Freedom at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.
From “About WPS”: http://fancorner.womensprosoccer.com
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Male sex-specific, soccer-related injury coverage to follow
January 19th, 2009 by CoachZ
I realize I have been covering the female side of soccer-related injuries with little or no attention paid to the male side of the equation. The reason for this will become apparent in the weeks to come. I hope you will bear with me as we explore injury, rehabilitation, and prevention in both male and female soccer athletes; to include youth and adult soccer participants, coaches, trainers, administrators, parents, fans, etc.
There are pronounced differences between youth and adult participants, and between male and female athletes. Regarding sex-specific, soccer-related injuries, it is important to keep in mind that many of these differences can be avoided, or at least allayed (alleviated), to a significant degree through proper training, before and after injury.
More to follow tomorrow.
Coach Z
