One of the downsides of sports is sports injury. Fortunately, sports injury occurs relatively infrequently so the health and psychological benefits far outweigh the potential temporary downside of a sports injury.

Sports Physiotherapy

Sports Physiotherapy is the specialised branch of physiotherapy which deals with injuries and issues related to sports people

Sports injuries do differ to everyday injuries. Athletes normally require high level performance and demand placed upon their body, which stresses their muscles, joints and bones to the limit. Physiotherapists who treat Sports Injuries help athletes recover from sporting injuries and provide education and resources to prevent problems.

Medical care for sports injuries continue to improve every year with large amount of research being carried out into understanding why sports injuries occur and the what the best management is in dealing with these injuries. Here at Niamh Coffey Physiotherapy we strive to keep up to date with new research and courses to enhance and improve our skills so you get the best treatment for your sports injury.

At Niamh Coffey Physiotherapy your sports injury will be assessed, accurately diagnosed and be optimally managed in the shortest possible time so you can return to your sport as soon as possible.

What Should You Do When You Suffer a Sports Injury?

Rest from painful exercise or movement is essential in early injury stage. “No pain, no gain” does not apply in most cases. The rule of thumb is- don’t do anything that reproduces your pain for the initial two or three days. After that, you need to get it moving or other problems will develop.

Ice or Heat?

It is normally recommended to avoid heat (and heat rubs) in the first 48 hours of injury. The heat encourages bleeding, which could be detrimental if used too early. In traumatic Injuries, such as ligament sprains, muscle tears or bruising, ice should help reduce your pain and swelling.

Should You Use a Compressive Bandage?

Yes. A compressive bandage will help to control the swelling and bleeding in the first few days. In most cases, the bandage will also help to support the injury as the new scar tissue is laid down. This should help to reduce your pain. Some

injuries will benefit from more rigid support such as brace or strapping tape. Please ask at the clinic if incertain what to do next.

Elevation?

Gravity will encourage swelling to settle at the lowest point. Elevation of an injury in the first few days is very helpful, especially for ankle and hand injuries. Think where your injury is and where your heart is. Try to rest your injury above your heart.

What Medication Should You Use?

Your Doctor or Pharmacist may recommend pain killers or anti-inflammatory drugs. It is best to seek their advice as certain drugs can interfere with other health conditions, especially asthmatics. It is generally advised to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs for the first 48-72 hours of an injury as it interferes with and prolongs the healing process of the damaged tissue.

When Should You Commence Physio?

In most cases “the early bird catches the worm”. Reasearchers have found that intervention of physiotherapy treatment within a few days has many benefits. These include

1. Relieving your pain quicker via joint mobility techniques, massage, electrotherapy, dry needling

2. Improving your scar tissue using techniques to guide the direction it forms

3. Getting you back to sport or work quicker through faster healing rates

4. Improving your performance when you do return to sport- we detect and help you to correct any biomechanical faults that may be affecting your technique or predisposing you to injury.

What If You Do Nothing?

Research tells us that injuries left untreated take longer to heal and have lingering pain. They are also more likely to recur and leave you with either joint stiffness or muscle weakness. Its important to remember that symptoms lasting longer than three months become habitual and are much harder to solve. He sooner the better your outcome.