Houston, TX (ContentDesk) June 28, 2006 -- Known as the motocross doc, Dr. Mark Sanders of the Sanders Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine recently entered into a sponsorship agreement with top BMX rider and 97 UCI Elite World Champion John The Jackal Purse, in an ongoing effort to educate athletes of these year round action sports about the importance of balanced strength training, proper treatment and injury reconditioning for long and successful careers. As moderator for several health and fitness forums on popular motocross websites and avid rider himself, Dr. Sanders has established a strong presence within the motocross industry and is attracting the attention of athletes such as Purse from other more extreme sports -- successfully returning BMX pros Jason Carnes and Warwick Stevens to competition just months following ACL reconstructions. Its really incredible.

Im seeing fellow riders come back faster than Ive ever seen before. And theyre coming back and winning competitions. Dr. Sanders is the difference, said Purse, who is currently racing for Team Redline and hoping to secure a spot on Team USA with top rankings in upcoming events.As an athlete, I appreciate Dr. Sanders approach.

He wont consider surgery unless its absolutely necessary. And he wont discourage athletes from getting back to their sport, because hes an athlete himself. He develops aggressive plans to ensure were able to get right back out there stronger than ever, said Purse.The sponsorship agreement between Dr. Sanders and John Purse not only expands opportunities to educate young athletes and veterans alike, but also helps hone rehabilitation and reconditioning programs at Sanders Clinic. Purse and Sanders Clinic certified fitness trainer Ed Nepveux are working to establish a program geared specifically towards the BMX, Mountain Bike and Road Racing athlete.While some of the injuries in motocross are similar to those found in the sport of BMX, the rehabilitation and strengthening programs are not, said Dr.

Sanders.The sport of BMX is physically demanding. All of the power in a race must come from the rider. This requires a lifelong commitment to proper training and a reconditioning program both before and after an injury, added Sanders. Dr. Sanders believes that his partnership with one of the top BMX professionals, who is heading into a benchmark 17th season of racing, will help young riders appreciate the role that effective training and overall well being play in the success of a sport. Dr.

Mark Sanders is the official healthcare provider of the Houston Supercross. He is listed among H Texas Magazines Top Docs for both 2004 and 2005, and is featured among the Top Texas Healthcare Professionals in the 2006 Edition of Medicine Men of Texas.Log onto www.sandersclinic.net to learn more about Dr. Sanders and his treatment options designed for the athlete, or call the Sanders Clinic at Twelve Oaks Medical Center at (713) 622-3576..