Sporting activities place specific demands on the body. Regardless of the level of preparation or participation, these demands make the athlete susceptible to injury. Sports injuries can be broadly classified as either traumatic or overuse injuries.
Traumatic injuries are most common in contact sports such as rugby, gaelic games, hockey, basketball and soccer because of the dynamic and high collision nature of these sports.
The most common traumatic sports injuries are knee and ankle ligament sprains, calf and hamstring muscle strains, quadriceps muscle contusions (dead leg), achilles tendon injuries, fractures and dislocations.
Overuse injuries such as shin splints, iliotibial band syndrome, tennis elbow, jumper’s knee, rotator cuff injuries are more common in sports that involve continuous repetitive movements such as running, cycling, swimming, tennis, golf etc.
Identifying the root cause of such injuries is vital to ensure a quick return to sport and to prevent a similar injury in the future. Muscle imbalances, muscle weakness, postural dysfunction, biomechanical dysfunction or poor running technique are common underlying causes of overuse injuries.
Sports injuries left untreated can lead to further more complex and chronic complications affecting return to sport. It is important to seek professional advice from a Chartered Physiotherapist early.
Physiotherapy treatments are intended to minimize the inflammatory phase of an injury, so that the overall healing process is accelerated.
If too much scar tissue is laid down during healing, there is a loss of movement and weakness which predisposes the athlete to future injury.
At PhysioPlus we use a range of manual therapy techniques including deep transverse frictions, soft tissue massage, myofascial release techniques and dry needling to break down excess scar tissue. Along with a sports specific rehabilitation programme, physiotherapy helps restore normal movement and ensures a faster return to sport.
At PhysioPlus, our Chartered Physiotherapists are highly qualified and trained in the assessment and treatment of all types of sports injuries.
We have a comprehensive knowledge of biomechanics, tissue pathology and tissue healing.
If your passion is running, rugby, football, golf, tennis, hockey, basketball, martial arts or dancing, we know about it; understand the biomechanics of it, and are confident that we can provide a lasting solution to your pain or injury.
