Girl Power!

Some female athletes at Daphne High School are getting some special training, training that is different than what male athletes receive. That's because men's and women's body structures are so different. They are taking part in a pilot program, created by therapists at Baldwin Bone and Joint, to keep them healthy throughout their basketball and volleyball seasons.

Dr. John Todd, an orthopaedic surgeon with Baldwin Bone and Joint, says women have more shoulder, knee, and ankle injuries than men, and they need special conditioning. "'There is some sports specific training, that can occur and research has shown that can reduce these women's specific risks."

Sophomore Brittany McConico is doing all she can to strengthen her knees, to prepare for the upcoming basketball season. Last season, she tore her ACL and had to have surgery on her knee. She hopes this program will help her remain injury-free. "Its really helpful because they tell you ways how to prevent it and it how to strengthen your knee."

Exercise physiologist John Seddon, with Baldwin Bone and Joint, helped write the Summer Power Hour program. "We want to work them at a high level here, so that when it transfers over to a game situation, they are already used working at that level, decreasing the risk of injury."

Right now, the Summer Power Hour program is just geared toward volleyball and basketball athletes, but Daphne High coaches have been so pleased with the results, that Baldwin Bone and Joint therapists are designing a program for cheerleading and soccer players as well for next year.