Stressed out

I don't know what it is about Michigan State basketball, but over the years this program suffers more stress fractures than any school in the country.

I'm sure there is no rhyme or reason as to why this happens so often in Spartanland but its certainly unfortunate. MSU is already without Raymar Morgan and it appears Maurice Joseph will be sidelined for a while with a foot injury now.

The only good thing about this is that MSU can afford to be without both guys until Big Ten play. The bad news is both players could have used the time on the floor to continue to improve and find their niche within the offense.

I've been utterly shocked by what MoJo has brought to the team this season. He's been shooting the ball with a nice touch and his confidence was beginning to peak. Confidence is the No. 1 asset for shooter's and its going to be tough for MoJo to get that, um... mojo back.

Comments

[Curt Ryan]

What is the apostrophe in "shooters" for?

[Smoke]

The apostrophe obviously fell out of the word it's in the 2nd paragraph and landed on the unsuspecting shooters below. Good insight is priceless, but writing class is relatively inexpensive.

[Stu Cameron]

I've heard that the weight program doesn't use any explosive movements and that the ankles and feet aren't stressed so they aren't ready for the rigors of the game. Do the players get taped for the practices and games?

[HI Dumbass]

ARE YOU KIDDIN ME? Do players get taped before practices and game? Come on....of course they do!

[dr chuck 84]

"Stress fractures can occur in normal or abnormal bone which is subjected to an undue amount of repeated stress."

"The major cause of stress fractures is an abnormal degree of repetitive trauma. This often is related to increased physical exertion as is found in sports activities. Stress fractures may also occur due to an altered muscular imbalance placed upon the skeletal structures."

ESSENTIALS OF SKELETAL RADIOLOGY

So when you think about the high frequency of stress fractures associated with MSU basketball you must assume that the players are worked to hard with repetitive stressful workouts either by the coach or by themselves and/or the strength of their musculature in the lower extremities is not balanced appropriately.

As a Chiropractor i have questioned the increased frequency of stress fractures in the past also.

A couple things to consider might be whether or not the practice floor and practice shoes have enough "cushion" or "rebound" to them to decrease the stress on the bones.

I would wonder whether or not the athletes had adequate arch support in their practice shoes.

I would also wonder if the players are regularly tested with Applied Kinesiology to see if their muscles are functioning correctly. I have seen wrestling, track, tennis and basketball college athletes in the past that had physical difficulties because their muscles were not functioning appropriately.

Although I am not sure, but I would venture to guess that the diet of the players and possibly lack of appropriate nutritional support may also play a role in the frequency of stress fractures that plagues MSU b-ball.

I am also positive that these players get the best of care from orthopedists and nutritionists. However, it is sometimes good to get a different perspective of the same problem from a different medical discipline.

[Steven]

I think we are seeing the results of Izzo pounding the tar out of these guys in practice. That is why they are so tough and much better rebounders than in previous years.But of couse injuries will be more frequent.

Remember that Izzo brought his coaching style back to "football on hardwood"