Sports Injuries

At J W Health and Physio we think that keeping fit and active is an important part of life, and essential for good health, whatever level the activity, and age. Sometimes whilst exercising things do go wrong and injuries occur. The important difference with sports injuries is the “how” and “why” they occur. During sporting activity the physical demands placed on the body are much greater – you are often moving faster, exercising into fatigue and performing complex repetitive movements requiring greater levels of skill and coordination. There can be many contributing factors to injury, training too hard, too often, not giving enough time for the body to recover between training sessions, not been skilled, or strong or flexible enough to perform the task required, using the wrong foot wear etc. This means that a thorough assessment is required to bring all these problems to light, so that the correct formula for recovery can be made. Treatment may include, reducing pain and inflammation, mobilising stiff and painful joints and muscles, addressing weakness, lack of coordination or balance. Discussing changes to training routines, foot wear orthotics etc.

With our wealth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm we effectively treat many injuries from many different sports. Running, cycling, climbing, canoeing, sailing, skiing, rugby, football, basket ball, cricket, golf, racket sports, weight training, gymnastics, dancing, to name but a few. They all come with their own individual risks factors.

You may even just have niggles, aches and pains, feel that your balance and coordination is not as good as it should be or have recurrent tightness or weakness in certain muscle groups. You may need help perfecting a technique or building up strength, endurance, coordination or balance. Whatever you need we are here to help.

•    Protection – protect the affected area from further injury; for example, by using a support, or strapping

•    Rest – avoid exercise and reduce your daily physical activity. Using crutches or a walking stick may help if you cannot put weight on your ankle or knee, and a sling may help if you‘ve injured your shoulder.

•    Ice – apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours. A bag of frozen peas, or similar, will work well. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to avoid it directly touching your skin and causing an ice burn.

•   Compression – use elastic compression bandages during the day to limit swelling. •   Elevation – keep the injured body part raised above the level of the heart whenever possible.

•    This may also help to reduce swelling. Depending on the type of injury you have, it can take a few weeks to a few months or more to make a full recovery.  You shouldn't return to your previous level of activity until you have fully recovered, but you should aim to gently start moving the injured body part as soon as possible.