Injuries

What Are Sports Injuries?

A sports injury is common in all people from all walks of life in any given profession and not just athletes and sports people.  This means that injury can strike you at any time whatever the activity you are involved in.  But how can that be so?  If you over do an activity, train improperly, lift incorrectly, use equipment ineffectively or don’t warm up correctly before exercise then you like many others are at risk from injury.

Sports Injuries

Believe it or not most injuries can be prevented.  So often we see evidence in new clients that come to Body Wars for injury treatment and physiotherapy that have previously trained at the same gym for years and have never been corrected on proper use of the equipment. Oh sure, they have been shown how to use the equipment but not been shown how to use it correctly and there is a massive difference!!  We have been in to some of the most prestigious gyms or performance classes and observed so many people incorrectly using the equipment supplied whilst the so called ‘expert trainers’ look on oblivious to the damage that is being created in their clients. 

Injuries

The good news is that most sports injuries can be treated efficiently and effectively and in a relatively short period of time.  Ask yourself the following question.  “Have I been seeing the same consultant for the same injury for a long period of time?”  If the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ then are you receiving the best treatment or physiotherapy possible? 

Common Sports injuries

Typical injuries that can affect anyone include:

• Muscle strains
• Muscle sprains
• Ligament tears
• Tendon tears
• Dislocated joints
• Fractures

What Should I Do if I Suffer an Injury?

Whether your injury is acute or chronic, there is never a good reason for you to try to "work through" the pain of an injury as you could be adding to the damage.
Just imagine for a minute that you were driving along and the orange warning light came on on your dashboard indicating that something was wrong.  You wouldn’t take out the nearest hammer and smash it until the light went out – that’s an indication that something is wrong.  It’s the same with your body.  Pain is a symptom but what’s causing it?  Maybe your symptoms will go away…………or maybe they won’t!!
If you find that you have re-occurring pain from a particular movement or activity then you must STOP immediately! Continuing the activity may only cause you further harm.

Body Wars Rehabilitation (Treatment and Exercise)

A major part in the rehabilitation of any injury is a graduated treatment and exercise program designed to return your injured body part to a normal level of function within a specific period of time and Body Wars pride themselves in program design and rehab.

With most injuries, early mobilization—getting the part moving as soon as possible—will speed healing. Generally, most injuries can be treated with physiotherapy, massage and ultrasound but severe immobilization and rehabilitation needs further treatment.  To re introduce mobilization and move you back in to active daily living can require gentle range-of-motion exercises moving on to stretching and strengthening exercises without increasing pain. For example, if you have a sprained ankle, you may be able to work on range of motion for the first day or two after the sprain by gently tracing letters with your big toe. Once your range of motion is fairly good, you can start doing gentle stretching and strengthening exercises. When you are ready, weights may be added to your exercise routine to further strengthen the injured area. The key is to avoid movement that causes pain.

As damaged tissue heals, scar tissue forms, which shrinks and brings torn or separated tissues back together. As a result, the injury site becomes tight or stiff, and damaged tissues are at risk of re injury. That's why stretching and strengthening exercises are so important. You should continue to stretch the muscles daily and as the first part of your warm up before exercising.

When planning your rehabilitation program with a health and fitness care professional, remember that progression is the key principle. Start with just a few exercises, do them often, and then gradually increase how much you do. A complete rehabilitation program should include exercises for flexibility, endurance, and strength; instruction in balance and proper body mechanics related to the sport; and a planned return to full participation.

Throughout the rehabilitation process, avoid painful activities and concentrate on those exercises that will improve function in the injured part. Don't resume your sport until you are sure you can stretch the injured tissues without any pain, swelling, or restricted movement, and monitor any other symptoms. When you do return to your sport, start slowly and gradually build up to full participation. To make an appointment for treatment to assist you in  moving back to active daily living contact us now on: 01282 698 698.