Cheerleading is rising in popularity, with competitive cheer now being recognized as an Olympic sport, possibly leading to an Olympic debut in the near future. These athletes present with issues such as pressure for a quick return, concerns for decreased bone density, and injury patterns unique to these athletes.
When the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear are acute, meaning there is a sudden flare-up of symptoms, it may be helpful to rest the shoulder to allow the inflammation of the injury to settle down.
Exercise can often be the last thing on the mind of someone suffering from a chronic knee pain condition. And as research indicates, many people who have degenerative diseases of the knee, such as osteoarthritis, don't get anywhere close to the recommended amount of daily exercise activity that they should.
Calcific tendonitis is a common source of shoulder pain and can be a frustration given the severity of pain and the duration of symptoms. However, the news is not all bad. On a positive note, the vast majority of patients do find relief with nonsurgical treatments for this condition.
In endurance sports such as running and cross-country skiing, a lighter body weight can improve relative power generation and reduce energy consumption. However, losing weight requires an energy deficit, which can negatively impact health and performance. Therefore, weight optimization always involves balancing the benefits and risks. In addition to weight, body composition can also impact an athlete's performance.
