We are your local Cairns physiotherapists. There are many types of physiotherapy treatment and one area we specialise in is sports physiotherapy.
Sports physiotherapy involves prevention, assessment and treatment of injuries arise from sports and exercise. Sports physiotherapists work with individuals and athletes to recover from injuries and prevent injuries through different treatments, such as massage, dry needling, manual therapy, exercise prescription, and injury prevention strategies.
Injuries sustained during physical activity are common among athletes and other active individuals. These injuries can occur due to various reasons, such as improper technique, lack of warm-up or cool-down, overtraining, and accidents. Knowing the different kinds of sports injuries and how to avert them is essential for keeping your body fit while taking part in your favorite physical activities.
Sports Physiotherapy: Common Types of Sports Injuries
Different parts of the body can be affected by various sports injuries. Some common examples include:
- Ankle sprains: This injury occurs when the ligaments around the ankle joint stretch or tear due to sudden twisting movements.
- Groin strain: This happens when there’s an excessive strain on the muscles in your inner thigh area during physical activity.
- Tennis elbow: This condition results from repetitive use of forearm muscles causing inflammation at their attachment point on the outer part of your elbow.
- Knee injuries: Knee problems like anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may be required if you experience severe damage to this vital structure within your knee joint.
Sports Physiotherapy: Causes of Sports Injuries
The primary causes of sports injuries can be categorized into two groups: acute injuries and chronic injuries.
Acute Injuries Include:
– Collisions with other players;
– Falls or awkward landings;
– Forceful impacts (e.g., being hit by a ball).
Chronic Injuries Result From:
– Overuse of specific body parts;
– Poor training techniques;
– Insufficient rest and recovery between activities.
How Sports Physiotherapy Can Prevent Sports Injuries
While it is impossible to eliminate the risk of injury entirely, there are several steps you can take to reduce your chances of sustaining a sports injury:
Proper Warm-Up:
Warming up before any physical activity helps increase blood flow to muscles, making them more flexible and less prone to injuries.
Cross-Training:
Engaging in various types of exercise can help prevent overuse injuries by distributing stress across different muscle groups. For variety, supplement your running routine with swimming or cycling.
Work on Proper Techniques:
Learning the correct form for each sport or exercise will not only improve performance but also minimize the risk of injury. Seek guidance from coaches, trainers, or contact us at Focus Physio Cairns to discuss your exercise needs.
Use Appropriate Equipment:
Wearing protective gear such as helmets and pads can significantly reduce the likelihood of acute injuries during contact sports. Additionally, ensure that your footwear is suitable for your chosen activity and provides adequate support.
Routine Rest Days:
Scheduling regular rest days allows your body time to recover from intense workouts while reducing the risk of chronic injuries. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed.
Exercises Prescription by Our Cairn's Sports Physiotherapist
Our physiotherapists in Cairns will perform a thorough assessment and formulate a treatment plan to target your needs. Below are some exercises that we can prescribe:
Strength Exercises
To optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury, we will explore exercises to strengthen your body. Incorporating these exercises into your regular fitness routine can improve overall performance and prevent injuries from occurring.
Core Stability Exercises
A strong core is essential for maintaining proper posture, balance, and stability during physical activities. Core stability exercises work to build a strong base of support by targeting the muscles in your abdominal area, lower back, hips, and pelvis.
Balance Exercises
Improving balance and proprioception is crucial for preventing falls and reducing the risk of injury during sports or other physical activities. Balance training exercises challenge your ability to maintain control over your body while performing movements on unstable surfaces or with limited support.
Endurance Exercises
By working against an external force such as weights or resistance bands, resistance training exercises can increase muscle strength, endurance, and power. These exercises can help improve your overall athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury by strengthening muscles that support joints during movement.
To receive your personalised exercise program, call us at Focus Physio Cairns to book your next appointment. We pride ourselves as your local Cairns physiotherapists.
