215 Training and Sports Related Injuries
A knee immobilizer brace that extends and immobilizes the knee straight out should
be used with caution. Within 72 hours of using this type of brace, the thigh muscle is
weakened and atrophied (muscle wasting as a result of disuse). However, this type of brace
must be used with patella (knee cap) fractures and patellar dislocations. While in this brace,
strengthening exercises should be started as early as possible to avoid muscle atrophy.Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are ideally treated in an aircast or similar splint. Ice, cross friction
massage, partial weight-bearing, and early range of motion is allowed while protecting the
injured ligament. Some severe sprains may require surgical intervention.Overtraining Syndrome
The most common physical conditioning error for the SEAL operator is
overtraining. Overtraining is exactly what the word implies, a condition caused by:Too Much Physical Activity
Physical training for the operator differs from programs designed for elite athletes. The ath-
lete in professional or college sports has an off-season to rest injured muscles and tendons,
utilize physical therapy, maximize strength and flexibility, and finally cycle back into his
sport. The SEAL team operator has no such luxury and training is a full time job. Typically
he trains to peak levels year round. It is this repetitive, peak performance conditioning
schedule that may lead to overtraining and overuse injuries.The OVERTRAINING SYNDROME can present with a wide range of
physiologic or psychological symptoms which vary widely among individuals (See
Table 12-7). Overtraining is generally associated with endurance sports such as swimming
or running.There is no good laboratory or biochemical marker for overtraining syndrome. The
BEST INDICATORS are resting heart rate in the morning and assessment of mood.
Resting heart rate taken daily just before getting out of bed, and monitored over time will
give some indicator of fitness as well as fatigue. Individuals who are overtrained will show
a resting heart rate which is 10-15 beats per minute higher than baseline when measured