When engaging in organized sports, contests, training sessions or fitness activities, sports injuries may develop. According to the 2012 IOC handbook of sports injuries, a sports injury is defined as “tissue damage caused by sport or exercise.” Sports injuries are caused by overtraining, lack of fitness, and improper technique doing a certain task. Injuries are also more likely to occur if someone neglects to warm up before exercising or playing a strenuous activity. Football or soccer, basketball, cricket, volleyball, skiing, and tennis are common high-risk sports. Sports injuries impact bones, soft tissues (ligaments, muscles and tendons), as well as other organs such as the heart, lungs and eyes.
Common Sports Injuries
- Bruises – A blow can result in tiny skin bleeds.
- Cuts and lacerations – Often result from falls. Knees and hands are especially vulnerable.
- Concussion – Mild, reversible brain damage caused by a trauma to the head, which may be accompanied by loss of consciousness. Symptoms include headache, vertigo and loss of short-term memory.
- Dehydration – Extreme dehydration can result in heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Sprain – Ligaments (the fibrous tissue that links bones and joints) may be stretched or torn. Among the symptoms include pain, edema and stiffness.
- Strain – The straining or tearing of a muscle or the connective tissue between muscle and bone. These include discomfort, swelling and bruising symptoms.
- Dental damage – A blow to the jaw may fracture, dislodge or loosen teeth.
- Nose injuries – Bloody or broken noses can result from a direct hit.
- Stress fractures – Mostly in the lower extremities. Repeated leaping or running on hard surfaces might lead to bone stress and fracture.
Sports physiotherapy, the specialized discipline of physiotherapy that addresses injuries and physical disorders linked with players, is superior for treating sports injuries. The major objective of physiotherapy in injury rehabilitation is to treat and thoroughly rehabilitate the athlete (post-injury or post-surgery) to avoid additional injury and expedite the athlete’s return to sport.
As a result of their sport-specific expertise, sports physiotherapists are better equipped to assist athletes with making a speedy recovery. A solid connection between the athlete and physiotherapist is required for efficient treatment and the formation of athletes’ expectations about injury rehabilitation.
Goals of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Sports Injuries
Planning exercise regimens which assist the athlete in returning to pre-injury function at the functional location.- Individualized exercise regimens to treat mobility impairments.
- Methods for preventing and diagnosing athletic injuries using screening and exercise.
- Contributing to high athletic performance
- Monitoring of performance
Physiotherapy’s involvement in sports has grown. Sports physiotherapists also help achieve health objectives. They manage injuries and health concerns plus recommend strength and cardio exercise routines. A sports physiotherapist’s physical examination is crucial for a personalized workout program. A sports physiotherapist works with athletes in clinics, training and tournaments. Each set’s job and responsibilities vary. While treating injuries and easing physical and mental tiredness remains the primary focus, physiotherapy’s role in preventing injuries is gaining recognition. During competitions and tournaments, the physiotherapist is sometimes the lone member of the medical team. He or she must diagnose medical issues and provide first aid. The traveling therapist is also responsible for the players’ physical, dietary, and psychological requirements – and for maintaining optimal attitude.
Roles of Physiotherapy in Different Settings
- Clinic
- Symptom reduction
- Avoid repeat injuries
- Reduce the effect of detraining
- Training team
- Identify athletes prone to injury
- Plan and execute a preventative strategy
- Guiding warming up, stretching and conditioning
- Facilitate recovery
- Touring team
- Identify and treat common medical issues affecting athletes
- Provide for health and nourishment
- Reduce anxiety
- Maintain an ideal level of attitude
- Treat musculoskeletal injuries
- Competition venue
- Identify conditions and emergencies needing referral
- Offer first aid
- Treat musculoskeletal injuries
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to cope with a sports injury, please contact Fraserlife Willowbrook Physio & Rehab online or by calling us at (778) 278-4755. Our physiotherapists are available to answer questions and provide assistance.