Sports Physiotherapy
There is a great deal of overlap between Sports Physiotherapy and Musculoskeletal therapy; both are concerned with injury to the bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, nerves or muscle tissue, and usually involved some degree of trauma.
However, injuries sustained by athletes are considered separately for the following reasons:
| 1. | Many sporting injuries follow a pattern that is ‘typical’ to the sport; this affords the physiotherapist some predictive ability in terms of duration, treatment and outcome. |
| 2. | Athletes tend to have different requirements and pressures; not only does the injured area have to perform well under high stress, but there are often time constraints due to the seasonal nature of sport. |
| 3. | An awareness of post-surgical rehabilitation is vital to ensure the injured athlete can return to the field as soon as possible. |
| 4. | Liaison with coaches, doctors, and sometimes parents is an essential part of injury management. This is often a very difficult time for the athlete, and a team approach helps to ensure the best possible outcome. |
Treatment of Sports Injuries
Given the high physical demands placed on an athlete, it is not surprising that physiotherapists and athletes often work closely to ensure the body is performing at its peak. Treatment can generally be divided into prevention, maintenance, and injury management.
Prevention |
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Treatment of Minor Injuries/ Maintenance |
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Injury management |
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- Immediate |
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- Long Term |
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Types of Injuries
Although minor sprains and strains, bruising, and post-match stiffness are frequently treated here at the clinic, more significant injuries are also seen. These include ankle sprains, shoulder impingement injuries, tears to the meniscus in the knee, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears, and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tears. If you have sustained an injury during sport, it is important to obtain a diagnosis as soon as possible to ensure the best possible chance of recovery.
Alternatively, many sporting injuries are insidious in nature, and are related to chronic overuse rather than trauma. Such injuries include Achilles Tendinopathy, Patellar Tendinopathy, Tennis Elbow, Plantar Fasciitis and Shoulder Impingement. If you have been experiencing a ‘niggle’ during activity that has been gradually worsening over time, it is important to seek professional help in order to break the cycle. Your physiotherapist will be able to guide you through the healing process, as well as prevent recurrence.
