ROCHESTER, N.Y. — It is peak fall sports season for thousands of local high school and college players. That means the chance for injuries and illnesses are also high. One injury has been making headlines recently.
As a professional MMA fighter, Liam Anderson knows all about injuries. But he also knows how important recovery from those is.
Anderson started training at the University of Rochester’s fitness science center a year ago.
“We’re able to take step by step approach and keep making little gains,” said Anderson.
One of the things trainers watch for is rhabdomyolysis. It’s a condition that’s been in the news this year after lacrosse players from Tufts University were hospitalized with it a few months ago.
“The muscle starts to break down and the byproduct gets into the bloodstream [and] makes its way to the kidneys,” said Michael Maloney, chief of sports medicine at the University of Rochester’s fitness science program.
Rhabdo can happen in all types of athletes. Symptoms can be similar to heatstroke but can quickly become dangerous.
“This can deteriorate pretty quickly,” Maloney said. “Mental status changes and kidneys start to fail.”
Doctors say rhabdo is often caused by a lack of hydration and athletes pushing themselves too hard.
“They’re coming from a cool climate to a warm climate or they’re coming from no activity to high-intensity activity,” said Connor Lorenzo, the director of operations for the fitness science program at the University of Rochester. “That’s when you’re at most risk.”
Consistent workouts throughout the year help prevent Rhabdo, along with staying hydrated, eating right and getting enough sleep.
Besides staying hydrated, athletes can reduce the risk of Rhabdo by giving themselves time to acclimate to a workout after a period of rest.
That’s what led Reid VanScoter here. As a pitcher in the minor leagues, he wanted a place to stay in shape during the off-season.
“I learned more about plyo drills, how to take care of myself, really help me to be a better athlete,” said VanScoter.
Every athlete is different, but trainers say the most important thing is being in tune with your body.
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