WHAT ARE SPORTS INJURIES?
Sports injuries include any injury derived from sporting activities either amateur or professional. This category is vast and includes many of the conditions discussed on this website e.g. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), hip and groin pain, knee injuries, ankle sprains, back pain, trapped nerve etc.
The commonest injuries are sprains to joints or strains to muscles. These are the most common injuries footballers have. Hamstring strains and calf pulls are common but often there has been little or no, warm up. Rugby players have more problems with their shoulders due to the direct stress on them with tackles and also head injuries. Maintaining flexibility and stress in the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles makes sense and Remedial Massage has an important role to play. The same applies to the ankle, also vulnerable in rugby and football due to the twisting nature of moves needed to play the game.
Warming up and cooling down with some stretches does help to keep these injuries at bay. Regular maintenance massage makes sense.
Cycling injuries are common – more head injuries occur in cyclists than in any other sport. Once you are feeling better after a head injury it is wise to come in and be checked for any trauma to your neck and back.
Running injuries are common. Keeping muscles supple with regular massage is advised to avoid Achilles’ Tendon problems as well as strains and sprains. ‘Runner’s knee’ causes pain in the area around the knee cap and when you squat , kneel or run up and downstairs, Iit gets worse.Warming up before you go running is imperative!
Shin splints are caused by inflammation of muscles, tendons and bone in the shin. Runners,dancers and other athletes whose feet hit the ground repetitively are vulnerable.
Weight lifting injuries affect the lower back more often than anywhere else. The lower back/lumbar spine takes the brunt of bearing the weight of the whole body so twisting (as also in golf) can cause injury.
Snowboarding injuries tend to affect the wrists and skiing, the knees. Prepare for your winter sports with a regular Remedial and Sports Massage.
Shoulders injure in many sports particulary those where there are frequent falls. Swimmers are vulnerable to shoulder problems especially during heavy training. As with all joints, the shoulder is also vulnerable as we get older and use our shoulders repetitively. The rotator cuff is commonly injured but usually successfully treated. Again, Remedial and Sports Massage can help keep your shoulders healthy.
Strains affect many muscles and usually occur due to lack of warmup or repetitive strain or both.
Studies show that warm muscles are less likely to injure than cold ones.
Warming up is essential. Warm up with using muscles as you are about to use, in your chosen sport. Include some breathing and cardiovascular exercises to really get your ciculation going.
We also recommend that you read our Breathing information.
Stretching is best done after the workout when the muscles are warmed up and stretch more easily without the risk of injury.
Immediately after an injury: Rest Ice Compression Elevation (RICE) – is the way to go if you do injure yourself. Rest helps your body heal. Ice eases pain as we have cold receptors in our skin. Compression and elevation reduces swelling and pain. Apply the icepack for about ten minutes, have a break and repeat twice more.
At Brooks-Carter Clinic, we see a lot of sports injuries because people today are generally more active and are taking part in more events such as marathons, triathlons, football and many other sporting games. Although we recommend sports and exercise, unfortunately, injury can be a part of these activities.
Walking is so good for you. As you walk, swinging your arms, you are mobilising all of you!
Many athletes find that keeping energy levels up using shiatsu is helpful. Unblocking congested areas by pressing certain ponts on the meridians, can help with training or competing. Pain increases as energy levels go down.
Impaired function of internal organs will affect the whole. Athletes are choosing Reflexology and Shiatsu to improve energy levels and to keep organs healthy. Muscles require blood and energy so rely on a healthy digestive system fot this to occur. Certain points are stimulated to help with stamina, e.g. Stomach Meridian number 36.
Lifestyle changes may be implemented to include regular stretching, eating non processed food, drinking water and exercise in nature are all good options.
Modernday stresses affect the whole body so rest and relaxation preferably with some fun and laugher will assist in injury prevention. With regular massage, if an injury does occur then it heals more speedily and efficiently.
Persistent injuries may have an origin in trauma and your body is trying to get a message to you. Listen! Yes, listen to your body and what it is trying to tell you. EFT and Matrix Reimprinting are also recommended as therapies that work to help you with this.
Emotional Freedom Technique can be used before an important match or competition to help get you into the winning mode.
THERAPY OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR THIS CONDITION AT BROOKS-CARTER CLINIC
- Osteopathy
- Naturopathy
- Advanced Remedial Massage
- Remedial & Sports Massage
- Swedish Massage
- Relaxation and Relaxation Massage
- Working with Children
- On-Site Massage
- Indian Head Massage
- Aroma Facial Massage
- Aromatherapy
- Baby Massage
- Reflexology
- Shiatsu
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
- Dry Needling
- Chinese Cupping
- Hopi Ear Candling
- Sports Event Massage
- Meta Kinetics
- Emotional Freedom Technique
- Matrix Reimprinting
- Matrix Birth Reimprinting
- Breathing Techniques
- Qi Gong
- Gift Vouchers
Suite 5 Braehead Way Shopping Centre, Bridge of Don,
Aberdeen AB22 8RR
01224 822960, 01224 822956
info@brookscarterclinic.co.uk