News & Events

Quick links to more articles in this issue:

NFL Draft Readiness Program Suceeds  |  Plan Your Mini Marathon Training  |
Have a Need for Speed?  |  Run Safely Outdoors this Winter.

David Harsha, MD

Leaders in Sports Medicine

The St.Vincent Sports Performance Center is a medically based program with a wide variety of offerings. We are not just about performance—jumping higher, going faster—although that is a big part of what we do. Our philosophy focuses on injury prevention and injury management. Our team identifies weaknesses, including problems from previous injuries that affect your performance. We assess and identify problems and provide a wide range of guidance, including physician referrals when needed.

Our medical director, David Harsha, MD, leads the medical aspect of our team. He’s a multi-talented physician who is well known for Indianapolis sports medicine expertise. He is the team physician for Pike High School, Indiana Ice and Indiana Fever, attending almost all their games! He also teaches in the St.Vincent Family Practice residency program, mentoring many physicians in training.

Dr. Harsha is an expert in vocal chord dysfunction. This disorder affects some athletes and may be misdiagnosed as asthma. For unknown reasons, vocal chords can close when breathing in and lead to shortness of breath, similar to symptoms of an asthma attack. The person may try unusual postures to open airway. Or, postures during sports may contribute to closing off the vocal chords and restricting the airway. “There are effective treatments available through our team of speech pathologists and sports medicine,” says Dr. Harsha. He was recently a presenter on this topic at the Indiana Athletic Trainers Association meeting.

St.Vincent Sports Performance Center staff members are often sought by their peers as experts in sports medicine. Several staff members were also asked to present their areas of expertise at the Athletic Trainers Association meeting. Tim Drudge shared his experience in motorsports. Anna Owsley spoke about dance medicine. And, Darryl Barnes taught about functional fitness and core strength development.

During this annual meeting, a certified athletic trainer from Indiana is selected as a Trainer of the Year. During the last three years, a trainer from our organization has been awarded this designation. Congratulations to this year’s winner, John Grant, ATC, who serves as our head trainer at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis.

“I’m proud of our team’s leadership in Sports Medicine for Indianapolis,” says Ralph Reiff, M.Ed., ATC/L, director of the St.Vincent Sports Performance Center.

NFL Draft Readiness Program Suceeds

It’s sign-up time again for the very popular annual NFL Readiness Program, where college senior football players better prepare themselves for pro football interviews. Several players who completed the NFL Draft Readiness program recently at St.Vincent Sports Performance Center were drafted into the NFL! Congratulations to Ryan Krause who was drafted by the San Diego Chargers.

Strength and conditioning trainer Shane White says Krause did very well in the readiness program, improving in many areas. Through diet, nutrition and training, he gained 17 pounds, which was needed to be a half back. He improved his times in the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle and three-cone drill. He gained two inches on his vertical jump. His horizontal jump also increased from 8 feet 5 inches to 9 feet 11 inches. He gained four repetitions on his 225-pound bench press.

“All these factors are tested, and his success in the program improved his changes substantially,” said Shane. “He was very pleased with the gains.”

For more information on the NFL Draft Readiness Program, call 415-5747.

Plan Your Mini Marathon Training

It’s already time to think about the Mini Marathon again! As early as December, some people start training. According to Erin Kelly at The Running Company, mid-January to early February is a good time to begin training if you’re starting from scratch. If you’re already fit, you could wait as late as mid-February to early March.

It’s important to have a partner and a plan. Join one of the numerous reputable programs around the city. Without a good plan, you may do too much, too soon, and potentially get injured. You also don’t want to become bored or overzealous.

Don’t forget to factor nutrition into your plan, says Kelly. Eat right and stay hydrated through your training. Your diet when training is what your body will get used to, and it will affect your long-term performance. You need to start those good habits early.

If you do become injured, don’t wait before taking action. An injury can affect your ability to train or change your stride. Our specialists can provide an assessment, recommendations and, if needed, a referral to a physician.

Have a Need for Speed?

Our Sports Performance Center has developed two consecutive eight-week speed development courses—Speed I and Speed II. They are designed to increase absolute speed and quickness. Athletes from any school are welcome. Open to all ages, athletes aged 12 to 19 from any sport where foot speed is an asset will find the training most beneficial. Trainers will teach techniques for quick starts and lengthening strides. They’ll help students improve foot turnover and correctly manage the proper force and speed. Sign ups begin Monday, January 10. Call 415-5747 for more information or to register.

Run Safely Outdoors this Winter.

Many runners and bikers want to continue their activities outside during the winter months. “Go right ahead,” says Ralph Reiff, M.Ed., ATC/L, director of the St.Vincent Sports Performance Center. “However, you must plan for the weather and do it safely.”

Reiff suggests warming up outdoors to help the body acclimatize to the weather. “Be very careful of ice. I see a lot of spring injuries from runners who slipped on snow or ice during the winter. If your footing is uncertain, slow down. Shorten strides to prevent slipping, and be cautious,” he advises.

Wardrobe planning is crucial for outdoor exercise. People commonly either overdress and get too warm, or they don’t wear enough, says Ralph. He explains that when running, your body temperature will increase to 10 degrees over the temperature. When biking, you will feel 10 degrees cooler because of the wind.

The Running Company says everyone should have reflective garments either in the garment or taped on to clothing to be as visible as possible. Don’t wear any cotton; it absorbs moisture but keeps it next to your skin. Other materials with polyester, spandex or nylon wick moisture away from skin.

Finally, wear the right amount of layers. For temperatures 40 to 60 degrees, wearing just a base layer is fine. For colder weather, add a middle layer, such as fleece, to trap heat. An outer layer may be added to keep out rain, snow or wind. This may include a jacket or vest that is breathable but keeps out the elements and keep moisture away from skin. There are a range of prices and materials for each of these layers.

Finally, when it is very cold, wear a hat and gloves. A hat will hold in your body heat, and gloves will allow you to keep your hands from getting uncomfortably cold while running. If you overheat, remove your hat and gloves first.

Do you like what you read and wish to receive our emails?
Send us an email and let us know you want to be added to our email list.

Contact Us