Drysdale Osteopathy • Sports Injuries
Sports activities are regular way of life for people of all ages, ranging from those with an avid interest to those who just want to stay fit; from the elite professional to the casual participant.
Many sports injuries are caused by overuse, from playing too hard and too often.
Common sporting injuries include Achilles Tendonitis, Tennis Elbow, Biceps Tendonitis, Groin Strain, Shin Splints and Lower Back Pain.
Sometimes incorrect equipment can be causing the problem, an example would be a cyclist whose cycling position is incorrect, or a runner with poor foot biomechanics causing knee and hip problems.
Correcting the cause of the imbalance will sort the problem.
Reduced joint flexibility will affect the degree performance and may result in injury if the player is unaware that they can’t perform to the same level that they used to, examples include golfers who can’t rotate at the waist as well as they previously did, or older footballers who have lost back and leg flexibility.
Young people especially are vulnerable in sport as their growing bodies are often expected to perform to high standards and are putting exceptional physical demands on themselves. The good news is that those who are fit tend to recover quickly from their injuries.
In the Runner, the possibility of a Stress Fracture in the lower leg may be the cause of the pain. An x-ray of the affected area should be taken. If there is no stress fracture, then the Biomechanics of the individual need to be closely examined. This can be done by my colleague, Ramsay Sloss, and may require Orthotics to correct any imbalance.
Osteopathy can help with performance, and speed recovery from injury. Osteopathic treatment may improve joint mobility, reduce adhesions and soft tissue restrictions, so that ease of movement is restored and performance is enhanced.
For those of you wishing to keep fit, Osteopathy may help you keep supple and improve muscle tone so reducing the risk of injury to muscles, joints and the spine.
