Category Archives: Columns
From the Trainer’s Room: Simple to complex – Building a program from the ground up
March 15th, 2023When building a sports performance program, rehab protocol, or even a sports practice, there has to be a start and finish. Where does it start? How does it progress? What are the goals? These are only a few questions that need to be answered when establishing proper protocols. Compete Sports Performance and Rehab has always…
From the Trainer’s Room: Post-season rest, recovery in hockey
March 9th, 2023As many junior, college and youth hockey seasons come to an end, it’s time to step back and take a look at the year, recover from the harsh demands both physically and mentally, and set goals for the coming offseason. Hopefully, you are playing in the USA Hockey National Championships, NCAA Frozen Four or junior…
From the Trainer’s Room: What is a separated shoulder?
March 2nd, 2023Can you tell me what a “separated shoulder” is? It’s not the same as a dislocated shoulder and you may be surprised to know how many professional players have sustained this injury. In fact, when I recently spoke with Joe Huff, the head athletic trainer for the Anaheim Ducks, he said it may be one…
From the Trainer’s Room: How do I create a workout program for myself?
February 22nd, 2023Have you ever wanted to start working out and getting in shape? Once you were motivated, did you have a hard time figuring out what to do for your workouts? Did you ever give up when you were confused? In this article, the goal is to give you a general roadmap to design your own…
From the Trainer’s Room: The importance of ankle mobility in skating
February 10th, 2023Have you ever heard a skating coach tell an athlete to get lower or get your knee over your toes? Sounds easy, but it may not always be the case. These types of skaters may not physically be able to get lower due to either strength deficits or lack of mobility or flexibility. The end…
From the Trainer’s Room: Knee MCL injuries in hockey
February 1st, 2023The medial collateral ligament in the knee, or MCL, was the second-most common injury in NCAA hockey in 2013 as stated by Grant, Bedi, Kurz, Bancroft & Miller. The study showed that only concussions had a higher injury rate in male collegiate players. The MCL is one of four ligaments in the knee and is…
From the Trainer’s Room: Why choose Compete Sports Performance and Rehab?
January 26th, 2023You have so many choices in Orange County to send your athletes for sports performance training and injuries. So why choose Compete Sports Performance and Rehab? Simply put, Compete has a track record of success that you can trust. Our staff is highly qualified with experience at the highest levels, and we utilize evidence-based practices…
From the Trainer’s Room: Show up to a tournament or showcase with a plan for success
January 18th, 2023Tournament or showcase play can take a major toll on an athlete’s mind and body. Don’t just show up to a tournament or showcase – show up with a plan that will allow you to play at your best. Prior to leaving for tournament or showcase: • Take time to clarify goals for the event…
From the Trainer’s Room: Is sport-specific training truth or myth?
January 4th, 2023With sport specialization at a young age becoming the norm, it raises another question: What about sport-specific training? Social media and marketing suggest that all athletes should train specifically for their sport using cool-looking, and often complex, exercises that mimic specific sports. Are these training programs truly helping your athlete or are they making matters…
From the Trainer’s Room: It’s never too late
December 28th, 2022I’m not sure you could pay me enough to be a hockey league director anymore. Early in my career, I ran both adult and youth hockey leagues in a small town. Everybody knew each other and it was more of a social gathering than a competition. It was a blast. Now, fast forward about 20…