Sports Injuries

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

1 DIAGNOSE your injury.

2 TIME FRAME –
How long will you be off sport?
Do you need to be off?
What else could you safely do to maintain fitness?

3 MONITOR your rehabilitation and treat appropriately minimising time lost off the field of play.

4 INSTRUCTION as to which exercises, stretches and strengthening are best suited to you and your sport.

5 SCREENING – fully body musculoskeletal screen to identify any weakness and prevent injury.

6 EDUCATION – about injury management, prevention and maximising sporting performance.

INITIAL TREATMENT
The first 24-48 hours is crucial in the effective management of any soft tissue injury.

For sprains, strain, and bruises, start the R.I.C.E.D. programme.

R- REST
injured tissue must have time to heal

I – ICE
10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours
Cold reduces the pain, causes contraction of blood vessels – thus reducing bleeding and swelling

C – COMPRESSION
moderately firm bandage to control swelling

E – ELEVATION
elevate the injured part above the level of the heart

D – DIAGNOSIS
An accurate diagnosis either by a doctor or physiotherapist will identify the expected duration off sport and any appropriate specific   rehabilitation

PREVENTION

• Correct warm up and cool down exercises
• Appropriate footwear
• Wearing protective clothing, i.e, shin pads, eye goggles
• Sport specific conditioning and stretching.