Updated: Jan. 2, 2006
Head Athletic Trainer Aaron Nelson, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Erik Phillips have seen it all in tending to the day-to-day needs of pro athletes. Now they are lending their expert advice to Phoenix fans.
If you have a question about sports-related training or general health and fitness, these two are the ones to ask. Click here to send in a question, and be sure to check back throughout the season as they tackle your training and health-related issues.
Would a home vibrating massager be good to use on your legs for running?
--Charles , Muldrow, OK
I've had a lower back issue for a long time. It happened lifting weights (Curls). I've went to the doctor and they couldn't identify anything. I'm very unfamiliar with the muscles in the lower back. That's where I have constant pain. Could you brief me on some of the muscles down in the lower back? If possible could you narrow it down to me as to what my problem could be and how to fix? Thanks.
--Gordon, San Antonio
I am 26 years old .I have been weight training for 10 years faithfully. I weigh 220lbs 6'tall 7% bodyfat. Last month I got in a car crash , and had a small bruise in my brain. I recently whent back to the doctors. The CT scan showed the bruise was just about gone. He suggested not to weight train for another 5 months, due to to much stress on my head. I am afraid that I will loose all the muscle I have gained in the past ten years. I am debating to go back to the gym alot sooner than told. I wanted to know if you now any way I could possibly maintain my muscle by not going to the gym, and do you think I should get a second opinion on the time I have to take off.
Thanks Again.
--Rich, Boston
I just tore my acl and when im off of it for a while it tightens up so when i am sitting out could i put a heat pack on it...like the ones you use on Steve Nash.
--Jenn, Jasper, AK
I play basketball on a regular basis almost every day, however I have a back problem where after I play for so long my back starts to ache. What can I do about this, is this a joint or a muscle problem. I'm 5'8 and weigh 165lbs.
--Alex, Phoenix
I am currently coaching girls B-Ball (ages 9-11). I will be coaching Boys B-Ball (ages 12-14). A few of the boys haven't found the coordination with their ever-growing frames. Is there stretching and strength exercises you can recommend we add to the basic drills we do now. Thanks!
--Brenda B., Richmond, MN
I've dislocated my shoulder several times and recently got surgery to reattach the labrum. How many months should I wait before playing basketball again, what device (if any) should I wear while playing basketball, and what non-contact activity (swimming, running, etc.) would be the best supplement to my rehab?
--Ross, Durham, NC
Hello, What would a day's training, both weights and basketball drills, include for Steve Nash?
--Jason Le Goff, Brighton, UK
My son received a grade 3 shoulder separation while playing football this summer. Does this type of injury prevent him from playing football in the future? It has been 2 months since the injury and he is currently playing basketball without any restrictions so I am hoping he can at least continue playing basketball which is his favorite sport.
--Drew Lane, Tucson, AZ
Are protein shakes good for weight lifters at the age of 14?
--Tyler Bean, Moore, OK
I'm 6'2" and would love to dunk a basketball. What can you do to improve your "hops/vertical" and what kind of core workout do you do?
--Joshua Turley, Gilbert, AZ
I play basketball nearly every day. However, I struggle with shin splints. What do you suggest to ease the discomfort and pain?
--Chris Donavan, South Bend, IN
During the offseason I workout almost everyday. I've been told a few different things pertaining to how much time your muscles need to recoup before working them again. What is your opinion on how much time is best between working a particular muscle?
--Thomas Rothchild, Champaign, IL
I play basketball on a regular basis almost every day, however I have a back problem where after I play for so long my back starts to ache. What can I do about this, is this a joint or a muscle problem? I'm 5'8 and weigh 165lbs.
--Alex, Phoenix
Question: I have always wondered how basketball players strength train and do not look like weight lifters. Can you recomend a book to me? Is it true mike boyle is a consultant what is his input on conditioning?
--Louis, Phoenix
I used to be an avid cyclist, but have been chronically plagued by a Lower Cross Syndrome (chronically tight Psoas muscles & weak Gluts; also tight QL & weak adominals). My question is around the re-training of the "weak" or inhibited gluts. Is there a particular exercise or routine which I can do to help retrain my hip flexors to start firing in the correct sequence? Or will just strengthening my gluts help to overcome the cross syndrome? Any advice is much appreciated.
--Bernie, Phoenix
I am 13 years old,I play center on my basketball team. My coach is making the wole team run 2 miles every day i weigh 320 so im pretty big. What would make it easier to run all that distance every day?
--Skylor Blackler, Bell City, MO
What kind of drink do you give the team during the games to refuel? Have you ever tried drinks with herbal ingerdients?
--Miguel Guizar, Tempe
I've actually got 2 questions to ask so i hope you have time for both.
1. Is it safe for me to start weight training without stunting my growth or hurting myself(I'm 13 years old)?
2. I've been getting sprained ankles more often lately and I'm not sure why but i was just wondering what might help me strengthen my ankles to prevent future injuries.
Thanks for your time!
--Doug, British Columbia
Some exercises you can do as part of your workout should include many different balance and stability lifts. Anything you can do while balancing on one leg would be benificial for your ankle problems. While sitting around you can also do things such as moving your ankle through the letters of the alphabet and do calf raises. Please consult your physician prior to doing any workout. Good luck!
Does Steve Nash ever have ankle problems with the shoes he wears? His current pair, as well as the old Jet Flights he wore in Dallas look very low-cut for a basketball shoe. What advice would you give for players that wear such low-cut shoes on the court to avoid ankle injury?
--Rob, Toronto
I am 17 years old, 5-9 and I want to grow tall. Do you know what I can do to grow strong and tall and what to eat and drink, please. I would love to play for the Suns one day.
--Edison, Jamaica, NY