Sports Injuries and Osteopathy

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Sports activities are a regular way of life for many of us now, and involve people from across all age groups from those who have an avid interest to those who just wish to keep fit; from the elite professional to the casual participant.

Many of the injuries are the result of overuse i.e. playing too hard and too often e.g. tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and biceps tendinitis, or from not warming up properly beforehand or not cooling down after exercise

Sometimes incorrect equipment can lead to injury - ill-fitting footwear can cause hip, knee and foot injury (e.g. Achilles injuries).

Reduced joint flexibility will affect the degree of performance and may result in injury if the player is unaware that they cannot perform to the same level as they used to, for example golfers who cannot turn at the waist as well as they used to, and the enthusiastic older footballer whose knees do not bend as well as they once did.

Young people especially are vulnerable in sport as their growing bodies are often expected to perform to high standards and are putting exceptional physical demands on themselves.

The good news is that although sports injuries are common, those who are fit tend to recover more quickly and easily from their injuries.

Osteopathy can help

An osteopath can help improve performance as well as treat the injuries being suffered.

By using their knowledge of diagnosis and highly developed palpatory skills they can help to restore structural balance, improve joint mobility and reduce adhesions and soft–tissue restrictions so that ease of movement is restored and performance enhanced.

For those of you wishing to keep fit, the osteopath can help you keep supple and improve muscle tone so reducing the risk of injury to soft-tissues unaccustomed to the extra work they are being asked to do.

Remember:

Begin slowly and build up, especially after an injury

Warm up first, and then cool down with stretches afterwards

Drink plenty of water when exercising

Exercise regularly, and try to alternate the types of exercise that you are doing every day.

Following a joint injury apply ice to the area for 10 minutes, every hour, if practical. Apply a bandage to compress the tissues. Elevate and rest if possible.

See also:

How to avoid injury:

In case of injury:

change position or activity at least every hour
take regular exercise that you enjoy
during repetitive tasks. vary rhythm and take frequent breaks
on long journeys adjust car seats and take regular breaks to stretch and move around for a short time
pace yourself with heavy work and take care when lifting
watch your children’s posture - they shouldn’t spend too long at a computer or carry bags on one shoulder
during pregnancy, osteopathy can help your body to adjust to the changes taking place