Cook Children’s Female Athlete program, spearheaded by Dr. Krystle Farmer, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at keeping female athletes healthy and performing at their best. Located at the Cook Children’s Multi-Specialty Clinic in Hurst, this program takes a comprehensive approach to address the unique needs of preteen and teenage female athletes, focusing on nutrition, mental health, and injury prevention and treatment.
Injury prevention is a key component of the Female Athlete program. Many female athletes train intensely year-round or participate in sports that place a major emphasis on weight and caloric intake, such as dancers or wrestlers. Dr. Farmer and her team are vigilant for red flags such as stress fractures, menstrual dysfunction, and recurrent overuse injuries, which can be signs of energy deficiency in athletes. Referrals to specialists like gynecologists, orthopedic surgeons, endocrinologists, psychiatrists, and physical therapists are made as needed to ensure comprehensive care.
The clinic offers clinical evaluations to assess acute or chronic musculoskeletal concerns. Additionally, a mechanical evaluation can be arranged at the therapy center to assess factors like throwing mechanics, squat form, muscle imbalance, and pelvic alignment. X-rays are available on-site when necessary, and the clinic’s athletic trainer, Micaela Lozano, provides home exercise teaching and personalized programs during visits, ensuring that athletes receive tailored care.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in an athlete’s performance, and Frankie Kindy, a Registered Dietitian with Cook Children’s Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, offers individualized nutrition counseling to female athletes. By considering factors like the athlete’s sport, current nutrition, activity level, and sleep habits, Frankie provides personalized recommendations to optimize nutrition. Athletes receive a document outlining their personal goals and recommendations post-visit, empowering them to make informed choices about their diet and fueling their bodies for peak performance.
Prevention is a major focus of the Female Athlete program. Dr. Farmer orders bone density testing and labs to assess vitamin levels, inflammatory markers, and hormone levels when indicated. The John and Tracy Sellers Sports Complex at Walsh Ranch is also developing preventative programs, including an ACL Prevention Rehabilitation Program. By addressing the holistic needs of female athletes, including their mental and physical well-being, the program aims to identify and address root causes of issues and implement preventive measures to ensure athletes can perform at their best.
In conclusion, Cook Children’s Female Athlete program is a pioneering initiative that prioritizes the health and performance of female athletes. With a focus on nutrition, mental health, and injury prevention and treatment, this program offers comprehensive care to address the unique needs of preteen and teenage female athletes. Through a multidisciplinary approach and a commitment to prevention, the program empowers female athletes to reach their full potential and excel in their respective sports.
