Injuries are an unfortunate part of all that comes with high school football, but doctors here in Western Pennsylvania have important messages they want young athletes to know.
“In a midget football game, in a high school football game, in a professional football game there’s going to be business for the sports medicine staff,” said Dr. Jeanne Doperak, a physician with UPMC Sports Medicine.
A 2023 study from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons found football had the highest rate of injury among high school sports. So how can players minimize their risk?
“Number one, wearing the right equipment,” said Doperak. “Making sure it fits well and you have your equipment. On a high school sideline, I’ve seen some kids who go ‘oh wait! this isn’t my helmet!’”
Another key recommendation from doctors is making sure athletes are taking care of themselves off the field.
“Being well rested and getting good sleep,” said Doperak. “It also means being well fueled for the game”
Much like the coaches across the WPIAL, they’re also stressing the need for players to use proper technique.
“A lot of times when we see injuries occur, it’s because someone’s not done the right technique on the field,” said Doperak.
There can be a concern from the players to report an injury, especially when they don’t want to miss any time. But doctors like Doperak want to make it clear their goal is to help get the player back on the field as soon and as safely as possible.
“Every time I go to a field or a sideline, I would want my patients to know that I’m doing my very best to take care of them and get them healthy to play at the highest level and keep them in the game,” said Doperak.
There’s a very unique way they’re doing just that for players here in Western Pennsylvania. UPMC has a Saturday morning injury clinic during football season for minor injuries suffered in games on Friday nights.
“We really are here for the community,” said Doperak. “Our goal is their goal. We want to get you playing, but we want you to do it at the top of your game.”
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