Sports Therapy Guide

Sports Therapy Guide

What are Sports Injuries Back to top

In resent years there has been an explosion in fitness health clubs are popping up everywhere people who workout are no longer thought of as fitness freaks. The demands on athletes and sports people has increased as records are broken and financial gain has increased, sports people are constantly looking for a way to have the edge over their competitors.

With this fitness boom it is inevitable with the best will in the world that injuries will occur, this is no reason for anybody to give up a fitness regime the advantages of training way out number the risk of injury.

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Avoiding an Injury Back to top

Some Injuries can be prevented and if injury occurs early treatment can lead to rapid recovery, this is where the sports therapist comes in, a qualified sports therapist specializes in the treatment of sports injuries, they also advise you how to prevent injuries occurring and are trained in sports massage. The treatment techniques used by a sports injury therapist are a combination of massage, physiotherapy and electrotherapy. 

Why You Can Get an Injury Back to top

ERRORS IN TECHNIQUE

OVER TRAINING

IMPROPER EQUIPMENT

WRONG CLOTHING OR FOOTWEAR

BAD COACHING

NO COOL DOWN

INADEQUATE WARM UP

PREVIOUS INJURY

TRAINING WHEN ILL

POOR DIET

POOR FLEXIBILITY

MUSCLE IMBALANCE

ANATOMICAL ABNORMALITIES (E.G. LEG LENGTH)

UNREALISTIC GOALS

DIFFICULT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (E.G. EXTREME COLD)

BEGINNERS TRYING TO ADVANCE TOO QUICKLY

What Happens When an Injury Occurs ? Back to top

When an injury occurs, muscle, connective tissue, nerve, and blood vessels are destroyed, then chemicals are released into the body to send signals that there is a problem, and injured nerves send pain signals to the brain. Bleeding from blood vessels causes swelling  then the blood clotting quickly  starts closing the vessels this is called a hematoma. The pressure from the swelling is exerted on the damaged fibers causing more pain, some muscles may go into spasm to protect the injury. White blood cells move in to digest the debris, this decreases blood flow and oxygen to the area, as the hematoma grows swelling increases.   

It is extremely important to start self-treatment within the first 15minutes following injury, this initial treatment can reduce recovery time by 50-70 %  the method used is known as RICE -rest, ice, compression  elevation.       

Rice Back to top

• Rest~ exercise should cease immediately, continuing will make injury worse. For the first 24-72 hours immobilize the area, after which relative rest is required. 

• Ice~ cooling the injury or cryotherapy as its known decreases swelling, bleeding, pain, and inflammation, ice or a packet of frozen peas are applied to the area over a wet towel, keep the ice on for 10-30mins depending on body fat with 45min intervals. Ice can be beneficial for up to 7 days your therapist will advice you. 

• Compression~ gentle but firm pressure should be applied to the injury by way of on elastic bandage.

• Elevation~ elevate the injured part above the heart level to drain fluids, try to elevate whenever possible for24-72 hours.

For the first 24 hours avoid hot baths as heat can increase swelling, remember RICE is first aid treatment only, consult a sports injury therapist as soon as possible so the appropriate treatment can be started . Leaving the injury in the hope it will be better soon can make matters worse.

Learn Sports Therapy Back to top

BSc (Hons) Sports Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health & Social Care
School of Health Care Professions

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Disclaimer
Gelisy strives to be as accurate as possible all the information that is within this web site is not guaranteed to be completely accurate. We do not specifically recommend or endorse any of the treatments displayed on this web site. We do not offer a referral service and do not warranty, guarantee or specifically endorse any of the therapists or companies who advertise their service or products on this web site. Before embarking on any therapy treatment, skin care regime, nutritional supplements or fitness regime consult your doctor.