Sports Injuries
A physiotherapist doesn't always have experience in treating sports injuries. If you have sustained a sports injury, you should always see a physiotherapist who has undertaken further studies in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Whittens Physiotherapists have extensive experience in treating sports injuries, with our principal physiotherapist, Lena Juross having recently completed her Masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. It is essential that if you have a sporting injury you seek advice as soon as possible.
The most common injuries we see are:
- Muscle tears - hamstrings, calf and quadriceps
- Ligament sprains – in particular ankle sprains and knee ACL tears
- Joint injuries - knees, hips and shoulders
- Overuse injuries - tendonitis (Achilles, shoulder and elbow)
Sport injuries have a variety of causes including as a result of a direct blow (corks or torn ligaments) or indirect injuries such as a twist or a fall (torn ACL, sprained or broken ankle) or an overuse injury (tendonitis).
Don’t forget if you are injured take immediate action use RICE (first aid).
Rest - stop playing the sport immediately.
Ice – ice the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Compression – compress the injured area using an elastic bandage to minimise swelling, therefore further injury.
Elevation – elevate the injured part so that it is resting above heart level.
