Sports Injury and Performance
Whether you’ve suffered an injury that put you off season or you want to enhance your performance to compete at a high level, we can help you achieve your goals, so you can get back to playing your favourite sports.
SPORTS INJURIES
Understanding Common Sports Injuries
Football, netball, cycling or cricket — sports injuries occur in every season, and can affect anyone in the general population at any stage. Muscle, tendon or ligament can be damaged via strain, sprain, direct blow or fall.
Acute (sudden) injuries include bruises or ‘corkies’ where bleeding occurs into the soft tissue through a direct blow.
Sprains occur when the joint is forced beyond its normal range of movement, overstretching and damaging the ligament.
Strains are caused by a over stretching or contraction of a muscle resulting in torn or damaged muscle fibres.
RICer METhod
Recover Faster with the RICER Method
These injuries may be accompanied by pain, swelling or bleeding (haematoma), loss of movement and reduced power. Research supports the ongoing use of the RICER formula for management of soft tissue injuries. RICER is an acronym for Rest, Ice application, Compression, Elevation and Referral.
The RICER protocol should be followed for 48-72 hours and the injury protected to avoid further damage. With correct management and depending on the severity of the injury, most soft tissue injuries recover within a matter of weeks.
SPORTS PERFORMANCE
Prevent Reinjury and Boost Sports Performance
In sportspeople, the biggest risk factor for soft tissue injury is having sustained a previous injury. For this reason it is essential to seek advice from your physiotherapist before returning to sport following a soft tissue injury to work out the best means of preventing a recurrence.
Our physiotherapists have a special interest in helping athletes maintain optimal performance. Many athletes, both amateur and professional also use Rehabilitative Physiotherapy Exercise as part of their regular training, injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Contact us if you would like to discuss improving your sports performance, or treating an injury.