FOX 4: Here’s to You – Kindness Matters

FOX 4: Here’s to You – Kindness Matters

by | Mar 15, 2021 | Press Coverage, Spotlight

Patient Miles and his little brother, Ryder, are bringing awareness and hosting an online fundraiser on behalf of  Scottish Rite for Children for their birthdays! “Scottish Rite is not just a hospital. It is a community,” the boys’ mother, Angela, writes on their fundraising website. Miles was born missing his left hand. After their first visit to Scottish Rite when Miles was 3 months old, they learned Miles condition was called symbrachydactyly. “From day one, Scottish Rite welcomed us into their family,” Angela writes. Turning 8 this March, Miles has raised funds for organizations he cares about for half of his life. This year, Angela, Miles and Ryder came up with ideas and created items they would like to sell that encourage others to celebrate each others’ differences and spread kindness along the way. Books about differences and inclusion are featured on their site, as well as beautiful tie-dye T-shirts because their family says, “Much like people, no two shirts will be alike!” 

A facebook post from clarice tinsley shows a boy reading a book | Clarice Tinsley March 15 at 3:16 PM. ••• HERE'S TO YOU: It's Miles' 8th birthday today! Instead of getting presents, he's giving presents to Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas. Miles is a patient there, he was born without his left hand. For his birthday this active boy donated 30 books about acceptance and inclusion as well as $5,000 He, his mom Angela and his 5 y.o. brother Ryder made & sold these tie-dyed t-shirts to benefit kids in Scottish Rite. Happy Birthday Miles! You're a leader! Show me difference makers Clarice.Tinsley@FOX.com DIFFERENT 12. All Are Welcom RE ALL WONDERS ONDERS by Ryan Hack NCLUDED A

Keeping Up with the Count: When Has She Rehearsed Enough?

Keeping Up with the Count: When Has She Rehearsed Enough?

by | Mar 4, 2021 | Sports Medicine

In youth sports, this message is clear – excessive training puts an athlete at risk for injury. Young dancers may or may not be comfortable comparing their training to that of other “athletes,” but the concern for their safety is similar. Scottish Rite for Children physical therapist, Julia Buckelew, P.T., D.P.T., O.C.S., works with many dancers in our sports medicine practice and hopes to reach others with this message.

Overtraining occurs when there is a high intensity or a high volume of training and performance declines. Overtraining is often associated with overuse injuries and burnout when the dancer no longer enjoys the activity. The year-round nature of dancing creates a culture and environment that, without deliberate efforts to avoid, lead to these conditions. Company auditions, numerous classes, rigorous pre-show rehearsals and summer intensives can run-down a dancer.

What are signs of overtraining?

  • General fatigue felt throughout the day despite amount of sleep.
  • Extended time needed to recover from post-exercise soreness.
  • Reduced performance/technical skill despite normal or increased training hours.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Increased risk of injury.

How can a dancer avoid overtraining?

  • Shift attention to the quality of training over the quantity of training.
  • Apply common time management techniques to plan rest and cross training.
  • Implement training periodization by recognizing performance cycles.
  • Learn about sleep hygiene to improve sleep quality.
  • Learn the value of mental imagery for rehearsal to allow the body to rest.
  • Increase self-awareness about beliefs and behaviors that motivate.

Thoughts on Perfectionistic Dancers
Scottish Rite pediatric psychologist Emily Stapleton, Psy.D., says, “Perfectionistic dancers tend to be ambitious, determined and driven for success in their performance. Unfortunately, these traits that make them successful also increase their likelihood of overtraining.”

These athletes tend to focus on results and have potentially harmful motivations including:

  • Desire to avoid making mistakes.
  • Fear of failure.
  • Fear of negative evaluation by others.
  • Meeting parent or coach’s expectations.

These tendencies can cause significant frustration, low self-esteem and self-doubt when they are not meeting their expectations or the expectations of others (e.g., parent, coach). This leads to the drive to learn new moves, perfect a routine and difficulty taking a break from training. Since they feel training is never complete, they self-select into an inappropriately high-training load. The cumulative effects of endless run-throughs, long hours of rehearsal and impact and stresses from repetitive movements may lead to injuries, exhaustion and reduced quality in performance. 

Stapleton says, “Research has shown that when these athletes direct their perfectionistic behaviors toward progress-oriented goals, rather than focusing solely on results or performance, some of the risks of overtraining are mitigated.” Athletes can do this by implementing cognitive-behavioral strategies including:

  • Appropriate goal setting.
  • Redefining their definition of success in sport.
  • Using positive self-talk.

Emily Stapleton, Psy.D., and Julia Buckelew, P.T., D.P.T., O.C.S., contribute to the article series, Keeping Up with the Count. A collection of tips and information for dancers from a multidisciplinary dance medicine team. They recognize the needs for these highly specialized athletes and aim to help reduce the risk of injuries in this population.

FOX 4: Here’s to You – The Sewing Ladies

FOX 4: Here’s to You – The Sewing Ladies

by | Mar 1, 2021 | General News, Press Coverage

The Sewing Ladies, a group of volunteers at Scottish Rite for Children, have been a staple at the hospital since its earliest years. Originally, the group consisted mostly of wives of the hospital’s doctors. Now, the volunteers come from all different backgrounds but have one thing in common – they love to sew.
 
Between them, The Sewing Ladies have more than 800 years of sewing experience, and they put that experience to good use. Prior to the pandemic, during an average year, they would sew more than 400 bed sheets and more than 500 hospital gowns for the hospital’s young patients. Once the pandemic started, their efforts shifted to sewing masks for our patients in Dallas and Frisco. Since May, they have made over 9,000 masks! 

Clarice tinsley posted a photo of the sewing ladies at scottish rite for children taken before the pandemic | Clarice Tinsley March 1 at 3:52 PM · ••• HERE'S TO YOU: A photo of The Sewing Ladies at Scottish Rite for Children taken before the pandemic. In the past year they've made 9,000+ masks. Pre-pandemic they'd sew 400 bed sheets & 500 hospital gowns. Show me great volunteers send social distance photos to Clarice.Tinsley@FOX.com SCOTTISH RITE HOSPITAL CHOCHEID) TE TTISH R SPITAL FOR C Vike Air MY MOM KS

Apophysitis of the Hip or Pelvis

Apophysitis of the Hip or Pelvis

by | Mar 1, 2021 | Sports Medicine

The professionalization of youth sports has led to an epidemic of overtraining. With that comes an increase in injuries caused by overuse. Unlike injuries from overuse in adults, like carpal tunnel syndrome, pediatric overuse injuries occur at areas of the bones called growth centers. These areas are vulnerable to injuries. Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Henry B. Ellis, M.D., says, “Rest and activity modification is crucial for these conditions.”
With an interest in studying and treating conditions in the hip in athletes, Ellis informs families that other treatments are unlikely to work if the aggravating activity continues. He encourages athletes to listen to their bodies and learn to properly stretch and to speak up if there is activity-related pain.

What is apophysitis of the hip or pelvis? 

Tenderness in specific bony areas of the hip and pelvis is called apophysitis. This typically occurs in adolescents ages 10- 19 who have “tight” hip and thigh muscles.

What causes apophysitis in hip or pelvis?

Muscles of the hip attach on the pelvis and upper leg bones. In growing children, several tendons attach to apophyses (growth plates). On the pelvis, these include the iliac crest apophysis and the ischial tuberosity apophysis and on the hip, the greater trochanter apophysis. These areas are made up of soft cells called cartilage. These weaker cells are at a higher risk of injury.

The most common cause of the pain is repeated pulling of the tendons on the apophysis causes apophysitis (painful inflammation). This commonly occurs during periods of rapid growth or increased activity. Overuse in these areas occur in activities such as dance, gymnastics and those that include running and sprinting.

What are the symptoms of apophysitis?

Apophysitis causes pain or tenderness at the muscle attachment that worsens with activities such as sports or running. Some experience swelling, others feel or hear a pop or snap.

How is it diagnosed?

A thorough history and physical examination are used to diagnose apophysitis. In some cases, X-rays may be ordered to evaluate the growth plate and rule out other issues.

How is it treated?

This is a self-limiting condition where rest is recommended, but kids may participate in activities that do not cause painful symptoms. Treatment includes modifying activities and providing comfort as needed. Learning to properly stretch and strengthen the muscles attached to the apophysis will reduce the tension.

A gradual return to sports is recommended when pain is improved. Symptoms will resolve with completion of growth in this area. In time, stronger bone cells replace the soft cartilage cells, but pain may come and go for months to years. If symptoms persist and cannot be managed with rest, it is important to see a medical provider with experience treating growth plate conditions in young athletes. Physical therapy may be recommended.

Physical therapy for apophysitis

Since the condition requires rest and removal of aggravating factors, more exercise is not an appropriate solution. After a formal evaluation, a physical therapist will provide a custom exercise plan to promote improvements in lengthening of tight muscles and tissues, strengthening of weak muscles and alignment of the body during movement and functional tasks. In many cases, core conditioning, strengthening of the abdominals and other trunk muscles, is a foundational component of treatment.

How can apophysitis of the hip/pelvis be prevented?

  • Apophysitis of the hip/pelvis may be difficult to prevent.
  • Proper warm-up and stretching exercises will reduce the stress on the apophysis.
  • Limit or vary physical activities to avoid overtraining and overuse.
  • Rest when sore or having pain.

Watch Ellis describe this condition in a series for pediatricians and primary care providers on our YouTube playlist for medical professionals.