SPORTS INJURIES
Sport is a vital part of the Australian lifestyle- it promotes good health, stress relief and is fun. Sometimes injuries may occur through sport, but fortunately most injuries can be effectively treated by your physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy treatment will enable you to return safely to your sporting activity more quickly than just “rest and see what happens”. Your physiotherapist can also provide advice to prevent sporting injuries.
COMMON INJURIES
• Bruises
. • Ligament sprains
. • Joint injuries.
• Over-use injuries.
WHAT GOES WRONG
Most sporting injuries are a result of a direct blow (bruise or contusion) or an indirect force like a twist (sprains, strains, tears). Some injuries are due to over use stresses (tendinitis, stress fractures).
HOW CAN YOU MINIMISE INJURY?
• Correct warm up and warm down procedures.
• Protective strapping or bracing.
• Correct footwear and sporting equipment.
• Specific conditioning for your particular sport.
• Good aerobic fitness.
• Good muscle control and reactions.
GETTING BACK INTO ACTION
Before you can safely return to your sport is essential to regain strength, mobility, balance and co-ordination. Your Physiotherapist will assess these areas and show you how to improve them.
HOW PHYSIOTHERAPY CAN HELP
Physiotherapists are highly qualified and trained in the assessment and treatment of sports injuries. As they have comprehensive knowledge of biomechanics, tissues injury and healing, Physiotherapists treat players of local sports teams to monitor their rehabilitation and assist with preventing injuries.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER AN INJURY?
As soon as possible, and for 72 hours after injury, use the RICER method:
Rest- Take it easy and only move within your limit of pain
Ice- As soon as possible, and for 20 minutes every two hours, apply ice or a frozen gel pack wrapped in a damp towel. This helps to control bleeding and pain and reduces secondary tissue damage.
Compression- Firstly bandage the injury. This helps to control swelling.
Elevation- As much as possible, elevate your injury higher than the level of your heart to reduce swelling.
Referral
Contact Active Physiotherapy on 98038422 to organise an appointment to ascertain a difinitve diagnosis asap. Once a diagnosis is made a personalised tailored rehabilitation program can be designed.
(No referral is needed).
REHABILITATE
Recovery can start from day 1 after an injury. Physiotherapy rehabilitation techniques will help reduce the time that your injury is painful and movement is restricted, so that you can safely return to sport faster. Rehabilitation also facilitates a good quality repair and the return of normal muscle and nerve function.
Avoid any of the HARM factors in the first 48 hours to prevent increased swelling and help your recovery:
Heat,
Alcohol
Running
Massage
HEALTH REBATES
You may consult a Physiotherapist at Active Physiotherapy either directly or by referral from your medical practitioner. Most private health insurance funds offer rebates for physiotherapy treatment.