 Today's guest article reminds me of the times when I doubtrd the value of what I bring as a strength and conditioning coach to my in person and online clients. You might find it hard to believe but the reason why your success is so important to me is because I want may coaching to have value to you. If you struggle, then I am struggling too. A good coach in any sport and activity puts you in the best position for success. If your coach is not doing just that, sorry to say you have a crappy coach.Of course if your coach has a well thought out, customized strength conditioning, flexibility, and nutrition program for you he/she is a keeper! -Nate  As a tactical strength and conditioning professional, I’ve learned that a good mentor provides two distinct things: 1. A structured and progressive training plan, including nutrition, recovery, and mindset strategies 2. Accountability And if your progress is slow going,get a new program and the help of an experienced coach. In this guest article you’ll discover the reasons why coaching is critical to your success. The Need for Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists in Special Forces Groups Mark D. Stephenson, MS, ATC, CSCS,*D Musculoskeletal injuries occur in any high risk activity. However, most of these injuries are preventable by participation in a properly structured strength and conditioning program that includes progressions and periodization. A recent paper published in the Journal of Special Operations Medicine (1) suggests that there is a need for Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist working with the Special Forces. Lynch and Pallis looked at injuries that occurred within a specific Special Forces Group. In this study they found that 40% of clinical diagnoses were musculoskeletal in nature. Through further review of research Lynch and Pallis (1) found a study that showed in 1999 exercise related injuries accounted for half of all disabilities and half of all outpatient visits. Twenty-eight percent of hospitalizations among US Army personnel were due to musculoskeletal conditions. The authors of that study identified potentially modifiable risk factors. These risk factors include high volume of running, low levels of fitness, high and low flexibility, sedentary lifestyle, and tobacco use. They also concluded that low cardiorespiratory endurance is the most consistently documented risk factor for injuries in the US Army. Among their specific Special Forces Group, Lynch and Pallis discovered that over 40% of the injuries comprised of musculoskeletal conditions and averaged 20 to 30 days on profile (light duty). This can have a significant impact on the unit’s operational readiness. Of the musculoskeletal injuries reported, 50% were related to the spine and upper extremities. Lynch and Pallis believe this is higher than most Army populations possibly due to the fact that the SOF operator is slightly older than the average soldier in conventional units. Lynch and Pallis recognize that it is common in the SOF community not to seek treatment or only see their team’s medic. Besides better educating the medical sergeants (18D) in musculoskeletal examinations, Lynch and Pallis feel that a focus on prevention is indicated. Special Forces Groups should modify their physical training programs to incorporate the same fitness and performance principles that are used in top athletic programs. The authors also feel that training regimens that consist of core strengthening and cross training would likely increase operational readiness while decreasing the incidence of spine and lower extremity injuries The authors concluded that the value of additional expertise and resources dedicated to operational “functional” fitness principles are needed. Due to the demonstrated value of having a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist(CSCS) by other SOF units in the military, and that specifically, Special Forces Groups should hire CSCS’s as coaches to oversee the tactical athletes daily physical training and consult with the group physical therapist REFERENCES: Lynch, J.H. and M.P. Pallis. Clinical diagnosis in a Special Forces Group: The musculoskeletal burden. J. Special Operations Medicine 8(2):76 – 79. 2008. ## If you find this coaching article helpful, please forward to your fellow tactical athletes. Train hard and stay safe, Coach Joe Joseph Arangio Tactical Workouts for Military and Law Enforcement 1. Claim Your Gift: 5 Tactical Training Videos ==>> http://www.TacticalWorkouts.
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