The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says so many kids today are specializing in just one sport, that the number of overuse injuries is reaching numbers never before seen.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says a new campaign called "One Sport" is designed to get the attention of parents and their young athletes that excessive training in just one sport - a huge trend in youth sports today - can cause serious health issues.
Brad Brush is a certified athletic trainer with Southern Illinois Healthcare. He says it's best if young people play more than one sport.
"You use different muscle groups and different body parts in different manners in multiple sports. If you continue to do the same thing over and over and over, you have a much greater risk of incurring an overuse injury."
Brush says he doesn't have any statistics, but he believes kids in southern Illinois are starting to play at least two sports on a much greater basis than just a few years ago.
Brush says technology is leading to overuse injuries in non-sports related activities.
"Unfortunately, we see a lot of tendinitis, and bursitis, and overuse injuries with computer use, or cellphone use, texting. I mean we're seeing a lot more thumb injuries, elbow, nerve injuries, just because of that forward, rounded posture."
Brush says good posture to strengthen back and core muscles is important for kids and adults in sports and non-sports related activities.
