While the term "screening" might sound daunting, its purpose is to safeguard athletes' well-being and optimize their performance potential. Through a comprehensive process overseen by sports physiotherapists, athletes undergo a thorough evaluation that encompasses medical history, physical examinations, and performance-based assessments. The outcome is a detailed report highlighting any anomalies that could predispose athletes to future injuries.
From the moment we are born, screening for potential health issues becomes ingrained in our healthcare routine. Whether it's the midwife assessing hip health or the doctor monitoring vital signs, each step aims to ensure our physical well-being. However, when it comes to readiness for sports participation, the responsibility often falls on physiotherapists and strength & conditioning coaches. This responsibility becomes even more critical at elite levels, where the demands on athletes' bodies are intensified.
Major sporting bodies worldwide, from Australian Rules Football to the National Basketball Association, have established protocols for musculoskeletal screening to mitigate injury risks and enhance performance.
The adage "prevention is better than cure" rings true in the realm of sports medicine. Many of the physical tests involved in musculoskeletal screening are straightforward yet insightful. By coupling these tests with meticulous data collection, coaches can gain valuable insights into athletes' overall wellness and make informed decisions regarding training and roster management. While professional teams routinely screen their players, access to such assessments may be limited for amateur athletes without integration into professional setups or community programs.
For athletes enrolled in the Basketball Victoria State Development Program, musculoskeletal screening is a mandatory annual requirement. This process involves an online questionnaire followed by a face-to-face interview with a designated hub physiotherapist. The findings are then shared with the athlete and/or their guardians, fostering transparency and proactive management of any identified issues.
In conclusion, musculoskeletal screening serves as a proactive measure to safeguard the health and performance of adolescent athletes. By identifying potential risk factors early on, athletes can embark on their sporting journeys with confidence, knowing that their physical well-being is prioritized every step of the way.
This article was written by Sports Physiotherapist Dan Ngyuen of Bounce Health Group. Dan is the lead physiotherapist for the High Performance Program for Basketball Victoria Elite Athlete Program. Dan is also physiotherapist at the Eastern Ranges AFL Junior Football Program.
