Famous Athletes' Recovery
This NBA player for the Golden State Warriors suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals, leading the team to lose the series
Kevin Durant
This element has been proven to reduce muscle cramps
Potassium
This is the longest muscle in the human body, running from the outisde of the hip to the inner knee, across the thigh
Sartorius
Athletic trainers often use this elastic therapeutic tape to support muscles and reduce pain
Kinesiology tape (KT tape)
This macronutrient is essential for energy during short bursts of activity like sprinting and lifting weights
Carbohydrates
This iconic female tennis star had to undergo surgery for a torn rotator cuff in 2018, but made a successful comeback
Serena Williams
These two types of stretching are most commonly used before and after workouts, respectively
Dynamic and static stretching
This muscle group stabilizes the spine and is critical for maintaining posture
Core muscles
This tool is used to measure blood pressure during a physical exam
Sphygmomanometer
This macronutrient helps in tissue repair and muscle growth after exercise, making it vital for recovery
Protein
This NFL quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals missed most of the 2020 season due to a torn ACL but returned to the field in 2021
Joe Burrow
This term describes how training intensity is gradually increased to improve performance and prevent injury
Progressive overload
This term describes the contraction phase of the heart cycle, when blood is pumped out of the chambers
Systole
This diagnostic tool uses a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments and cartilage
MRI machine
This supplement is often used by athletes to increase muscle mass and improve strength, though it should be taken with caution
Creatine
This NBA player for the Boston Celtics broke his left ankle and fractured his left tibia on opening night in 2017 versus the Cleveland Cavaliers
Gordon Hayward
This type of training focuses on strength, explosiveness, and speed, often used to help strengthen the knees and prevent ACL injuries
Plyometric training
These shock-absorbing structures are found between the vertebrae in the spine
Intervertebral discs
This handheld device is used to measure an athlete's body fat percentage using skinfold thickness
Calipers
This hormone injection is ofen used by athletes and body builders to increase muscle mass and output. Taking too much can increase risk factors to many diseases and hair loss
Testosterone Injections
After injuring his knee in 2014, this NFL running back for the Minnesota Vikings made an inspiring return to the field despite significant damage
Adrian Peterson
Excessive fluid consumption during prolonged exercise can lead to this potentially dangerous condition
Hyponatremia
This small gland located in the brain regulates the release of hormones essential for growth, metabolism, and recovery
Pituitary gland
Athletic trainers use this handheld device to check for dehydration by measuring specific gravity in urine
Refractometer
This type of carbohydrate, often found in foods like pasta and rice, is stored in muscles and liver to provide a long-lasting energy source during endurance events
Glycogen