The term “sports injury” is an all-encompassing term which includes any type of injury that occurs while performing any athletic activity. Sports Injury can occur as the result of a high load trauma like a twisted ankle or a hard tackle or it can be the result of repetitive loads that the body is not able to fully recover from before the next series of loads is re-introduced. This failure to recover if repeated over time results in a build up of force which can result in body damage over time. This is known as a “Repetitive Strain Injury”
One of the most important aspects to rehabilitating a sports injury is treating it as soon as possible. Your treatment plan and duration of recovery will vary depending on how severe the injury is, your health history, and whether or not the injury requires surgical intervention.
Common sports injuries involve:
Ligament Sprain or Tear
A ligament is a strong flexible fibrous tissue that holds bones together providing safety and support to the joint structure. A Sprain is an injury that occurs when the level of force applied to a ligament causes a deformation that does not recover when the force is removed or simply when the force applied stretches a ligament too far. Ligament sprain can range from minor deformities that are painful but do not disturb the ligament ability to support the joint (Grade I Sprain) all the way up to a full rupture of the ligament (Grade III Sprain) where the ligament no longer functions. Sprains therefore can range from being easily managed to requiring surgical intervention and very specialized post surgical rehabilitation protocols. Regardless of the severity, ligament rehabilitation is best treated with the expertise of a trained physiotherapist.
Tendinitis
A tendon is a structure that attaches a muscle to a bone. It allows larger muscles to reach smaller spaces giving us greater strength with a significant increase in efficiency (excellence in design). Tendinitis simply means that the tendon is inflamed, “Tendon Swelling”. This happens typically as the result of excessive force or wear.
Muscle and Tendon strain
A strain is an injury that occurs when a level of force is applied to part of the body that causes a deformation that does not recover when the force is removed. It often results when a muscle or a tendon is stretched too far. This happens typically as the result of excessive force load or when force is applied too rapidly. It is commonly called a “pulled muscle” or a “pulled tendon”.
Bursitis
A bursa is a fluid filled sac that prevents excessive friction from structures rubbing against one another. Bursa allow structures like Tendons and Muscles to slide efficiently over hard bony prominences. Bursae allow for a smoother movement of muscles and tendons with a significant increase in efficiency (excellence in design). Bursitis simply means that the Bursa is inflamed, “Bursa Swelling”. This happens typically as the result of excessive force or wear.
Post Fracture Rehabilitation
A fracture is a break or a crack in a bone. Fractures can range from simple cracks to very large traumatic breaks. While a smaller crack may heal on its own, more significant trauma could require surgical intervention for proper repair of the bony structure. Regardless of the severity, fracture treatment typically involves a period of immobilization, either with a cast, splint or with an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery. While physiotherapy does not typically engage in aiding bony repair it is invaluable in dealing with the consequences of immobilization. The two most common consequences of immobilization are weakness and reduced range of motion. Physiotherapists are amongst the most capable professionals at resolving these two impairments. Once cleared by their Family Doctor post fracture rehabilitation is best done as early as is safely possible.
Our physiotherapy approach at Newcastle Village Physiotherapy always involves a comprehensive physical assessment by the most experienced team of Physiotherapists in the Newcastle area. We are athletes ourselves and are extremely familiar with the stressors involved in many sports and athletic activities.
Once assessed an individualized plan will be created just for you. Together we will work as a team to treat the source of the impairment. Re-strengthening, restoring Range of Motion and restoring the natural balance of the body are essential to a full and safe recovery. Together we will work to help you resume the activities that you enjoy.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to book an appointment today.