Training for a Triathlon

The 2014 Seattle Seafair Triathlon and Kids Seafair Triathlon will take place on July 20, 2014. OSS is the Presenting Sponsor for these events and the orthopedic surgeons would like to congratulate the athletes who are coming out to be part of this event.

Training for a triathlon is tough but that’s part of the challenge. Consider this: Four out of five amateur triathletes are injured while training, and three of those four are injured badly enough to affect their daily activities.

The complexity of the sport and broad range of knowledge needed to train and compete safely are contributing factors. The triathlete must learn about appropriate equipment specifications, proper body mechanics, injury prevention and overall training programs that prepare the body for the stresses of triathlon.

Cross-training for three different events also increases the risk of certain overuse injuries, and an untreated injury in one part of the body can lead to problems elsewhere. For example, a knee injury from running can cause extra stress on the back, leading to lower back pain when cycling; and the cumulative effects of swimming and cycling can fatigue calf muscles, making legs more susceptible to injury during a run.

The good news is, most nontraumatic injuries are related to training errors that can be corrected – and professionals with specialized knowledge in triathlon training and injury prevention can help.

Prevention: Training Smart

The best way to avoid a traumatic injury is a training program that balances strength, flexibility and endurance through appropriate weight-lifting, stretching and cross-training. But training techniques are not one-size-fits-all. Every individual has a unique combination of anatomy, strength, endurance, and flexibility – so what works well for one athlete is not always the best advice for another.

Understanding the complex interactions between musculoskeletal groups related to swimming, cycling, and running is essential in triathlon training. An OSS surgeon can evaluate your physical conditioning, analyze your training techniques and correct errors that can lead to future injuries, and provide a training program optimized for you as an individual.

The best training program can’t prevent all injuries. When injuries do occur, there are three things you need to know: (1) how to evaluate the severity of an injury, (2) how to self-treat an overuse injury, and (3) when to seek professional help.

Dr. Weil has this to say about the upcoming triathlon and words of wisdom when it comes to training for a triathlon, “I’d like to congratulate all the triathletes participating in the 2014 Seafair Triathlon! I’d also like to send a special congratulations to the first time triathletes participating in this year’s event. As you all know training for and participating in the sport of triathlon involves a huge commitment on the part of athletes and their families. Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t go as planned and injury can derail even the most experienced triathletes. I have experienced this issue first hand from all perspectives, as a treating physician, as a 2013 Ironman Canada Finisher, and currently as an injured athlete in rehabilitation trying to get back to the sport. When the unforeseen occurs, it is always best to seek medical evaluation. Often times if issues are addressed early on, they can be treated without significant time loss from training and without surgery. It is my goal as a treating physician to understand athletes needs and to work together with athletes to help them return to sport as soon as possible.”

If you believe you are suffering from a sport-related injury and need specialized orthopedic care, the orthopedic surgeons at OSS provide excellent treatment options for your injury. Please feel free to contact OSS at (206) 633-8100 to schedule an appointment.

Seattle Mariners Opening Night at Safeco Field

Spring has sprung and OSS is excited that baseball season has started!

Seattle baseball fans, tonight is the night to cheer on the Mariners as they take on their division rivals, the Angels!  Seattle swept the Angels in a three-game series to open the season in Anaheim, and tonight’s meeting will be a rematch between the Mariners’ James Paxton and Halos left-hander Hector Santiago from the season’s third game, which Seattle won, 8-2. 

Tonight’s home game also a number of new faces, including new manager Lloyd McClendon and superstar second baseman Robinson Cano, who signed as a free agent this winter.  Fernando Rodney, Logan Morrison, John Buck, Corey Hart and Chris Young are also among the new Mariners set to be introduced tonight.

Other highlights of tonight’s home opener include:

  • The Mariners will salute the Super Bowl-champion Seahawks tonight as part of their Opening Night ceremonies at Safeco Field, with quarterback Russell Wilson among several players who will be part of a pre-game presentation and the ceremonial first pitch.
  • Opening Night festivities will begin at 4:40 p.m. PT, when the gates of Safeco Field open to the general public with a countdown at the Home Plate Gate. Pre-game ceremonies start at 6:30 p.m. PT.
  • With catcher Mike Zunino and reliever Dominic Leone, the Mariners are the only team in the Majors with two players from the 2012 Draft on their active roster. Zunino was Seattle’s first-round Draft pick, and Leone was a 16th-round selection.
  • Ibanez made his first start in left field on Monday. The 41-year-old designated hitter won’t come close to matching the 832 1/3 innings he spent in the outfield with the Mariners last year, but Angels manager Mike Scioscia has said he’d like to get him some time out there periodically.

OSS wants to wish the Mariners an exciting and injury-free season! Now… let’s play ball!

Cheers to Chambers Business Expo a Success

Chamber Business Expo

Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle (OSS) was proud to be a part of this year’s Cheers to Chamber Business Expo!

Hosted by the Ballard, Fremont, Green Lake, Phinney/Greenwood and Queen Anne Neighborhood Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations; the focus was on connecting residents and business leaders to form a stronger local community. OSS was pleased to meet new business owners as well as current businesses and find out the latest goods and services in each respected community.

The Master of Ceremonies of the event was Mark Aucutt and Mayor Murray was on hand to say a few words to everyone at the Expo.

Congratulations to John Marshall for winning the OSS gift basket! OSS hopes to be a part of this event again next year!

Bring Home the WIN Seahawks

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Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos

Epic battle! Game time will be 3:30 pm on Super Bowl Sunday, February 2nd and OSS will be routing for the Seattle Seahawks to win and take it all! Playing in the Meadowlands Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Staten Island, NY is how it is being advertised), it seems Coach Pete Carroll is back in his old stomping grounds where he first started his professional career as the head coach for the NY Jets in 1994! Today, he is with our beloved Seahawks and it is going to be an all out battle against the Broncos.

For more information on Superbowl 48, click here and get the free Super Bowl Program: http://www.hozinc.com/sb48/

Good luck and bring home the WIN!

Go Seahawks!