Osteopath-asia


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Sports Injuries
Sport activity Sports activities are a regular way of life for many of us, and involve people from all walks of life and ages, from those who have an avid interest to those who just want to keep fit; from the elite professional to the casual participant.

Waist turning in golf Many sports injuries are the result of overuse (repetitive strain) ie. Playing too hard and too often eg. Golfer’s elbow and Tennis elbow, or it can occur via sudden high activity after a period of no exercise (The “Weekend Warrior”).

Sometimes incorrect equipment - poorly fitted footwear can cause hip, knee and foot injury eg. Achilles tendonitis. Poor technique and application can also reduce mechanical efficiency of motion thereby increasing the likelihood of injuries eg. Golf swings, poor posture during loading exercises.

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, restricted knee flexion amongst Football and Rugby players.

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.

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

Osteopaths can help improve performance as well as treat the injuries being suffered by restoring structural balance, improve joint mobility and reduce adhesions, scar tissue 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 subjected to.

Sports ‘tune up’

Periodic Osteopathic treatment or ‘tune ups’ is extremely beneficial for individuals under high stress and little time for physical conditioning. This equally applies to those of us who are actively involved in sports and competition, especially so for the elite athlete.
The ‘tune up’ treatment will be designed to:

Joint 1/ Remove any existing joint restrictions: Blockages within joints will mean a decrease in range of motion, effectively slowing you down and making your muscles work harder which will tire you more.

2/ Free up the Diaphragm: Tightness in this area will make breathing less efficient, reducing oxygen supply and adversely affect recovery and performance.

3/ Relax and stimulate muscles: Muscles that are tight and not relaxed will not react fast and will be prone to quicker fatigue and injury. Tight muscles will also reduce your range of motion.

4/ Identify and address areas of weakness:Muscle imbalance, poor spinal posture, old injuries / scar tissues will be given more attention so as to restore better structure and therefore overall function (performance).

Points to remember about sports injuries

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.
Always begin exercise after the correct techniques and caution have been shown to you by a qualified coach or instructor.
Follow the RICE principle when ever a joint injury is sustained:

Rest – Stop immediately after the injury has occurred. Reduce regular exercise or activities of daily living as needed. If you cannot put weight on an ankle or knee, crutches may help. If you use a cane or one crutch for an ankle injury, use it on the uninjured side to help you lean away and relieve weight on the injured ankle.

Ice - Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day. A cold pack, ice bag, or plastic bag filled with crushed ice and wrapped in a towel can be used. To avoid cold injury and frostbite, do not apply the ice for more than 20 minutes. (Note: Do not use heat immediately after an injury. This tends to increase internal bleeding or swelling. Heat can be used later on to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.)

Compression – Compression of the injured area may help reduce swelling. Compression can be achieved with elastic wraps, special boots, air casts, and splints.

Elevation – keep site of injury supported and raised if possible eg. Shoulder in an arm sling. If possible, keep the injured ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist elevated on a pillow, above the level of the heart, to help decrease swelling.

If your injuries do not improve with self help and rest, always seek professional advice from your Doctor or Osteopath.