Sports Athletes
Osteopathy Care for Sports Athletes
Sports athletes are always at risk of sustaining injuries. While some of these injuries improve after rest, some require therapy and surgery to heal. Some injuries can be fatal, leading to complications.
Osteopathy care for sports athletes ensures total body well being, obtained by manipulation and massage therapies. With osteopathy, some of these common sports injuries can be treated and prompted to heal faster. Proper osteopathy care also reduces the risk of contracting these injuries as it strengthens the muscle.
Our expert osteopaths understand the need for you to be in proper shape before your next game. We utilise best practices to get you appropriate treatment for musculoskeletal injuries. Our special care also ensures you retain your dexterity and adjust to training quicker.
Sports Injuries Treatable Using Osteopathy
Common sports musculoskeletal injuries are treatable using osteopathy. Some of these include.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a common sports ailment most tennis players (or any sports activity involving repetitive use of the wrist) experience. The lateral epicondyle, or forearm extensor muscles tendon, becomes inflamed causing pain. It is caused by the excessive use of the forearm muscles. It can also be caused by mis-hitting the ball repeatedly or a sudden forceful pull.
Proper massage therapy can restore full use of the arm. Orthotic devices or straps can be provided to restrict movement until full healing.
Sciatica
Sciatica or lower back pain due to spinal nerve compression also occurs after playing intense games like football or rugby. Spinal disc herniation and spinal stenosis can also influence sciatic pain. Spinal and joint manipulation administered by an expert osteopath can reduce sciatic or radicular pain. Chiropractic treatment may be needed to realign the lumbar vertebrae.
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is about the most common sports ailment experienced by most athletes. It is an inflammation of the muscles and soft tissues of the body due to overuse. Besides inflicting pain, RSI can also limit performance.
Repetitive strain injury can be prevented with proper osteopathic care. This is necessary if you play regularly and without enough rest in between games. Your muscles are smoothed out and nerves massaged to keep them healthy and active.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendinopathy is a common sports injury that stems from overuse of the Achilles tendon. It is mostly experienced by runners. The injury causes swelling, pain, and discomfort, which increases with physical activity.
Osteopathy care is necessary for the feet and ankle to keep all soft tissues functioning properly. Proper massage therapy around the affected area can reduce inflammation and pain. With rest and well-programmed physical therapy, the athlete can regain use of the leg in no time.
Knee Pain
Knee pain occurs mostly as a symptom of other knee conditions. These knee conditions may include runner’s knee or patella subluxation. Depending on the degree of hurt, knee pain can be accompanied by inflammation.
Joint manipulation, massage, and RICE therapy can be used to improve the condition of the knee. Knee straps may be provided also to restrict movement and speed up the healing process.
Calf Muscle Strain
Calf strain is a common sports injury that can re-occur or take a prolonged time to heal if not managed properly. A calf muscle tear is graded (from I to III) according to severity and treatment depends on the grade.
Less severe cases of calf muscle strain may improve with time and rest. An osteopath can help speed up the healing process by massaging the calf muscle. Ice therapy can also help reduce inflammation.
Treatment Techniques for Sports Injuries
Ice or Heat Therapy
Ice and heat therapy is needed to take immediate care of muscle injuries. Ice therapy is used to treat inflamed muscles and reduce pain. Heat therapy is used to smoothen and relax stiff muscles. This method is used by the osteopath to reduce the inflammation of soft tissues, especially for fresh injuries.
Soft Tissue Mobilisation
Soft tissue mobilisation is used to reduce inflammation, improve body fluid circulation, provide relief from pain, and release tension in soft tissues. Tissue manipulation treatment for sports injuries also involves myofascial release. This method identifies knots in the muscle tissue and helps to loosen them up. This improves performance and keeps the soft tissues healthy.
Joint Manipulation
The main aim of joint manipulation is to restore the use of the affected joint following a sports injury or prolonged loss of motion. It is used to treat injuries involving synovial joints. Specific benefits of joint manipulation include relief from pain, an extended range of motion, and faster recovery times. While joint manipulation is much like massage therapy, it is used by osteopaths as part of a broader therapy plan to restore holistic healing to the body.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises are needed to warm up muscles, soft tissues, and joints following a prolonged loss of motion or recovery. Following massage therapy that relaxes the muscles and straightens out knots within soft tissues, strengthening exercises get the muscles working again.
Best Care for Sports Athletes in Hove
Osteopathy care for sports athletes provides great benefits. It helps relieve pain from injuries and also strengthens your muscles for competitive physical activity. With expert osteopathy, you can improve your performance and boost your dexterity.
Our osteopaths are poised to deliver quality massage and manipulation therapies always. These keep you on top of your game whenever needed. Contact us today for a consultation with an expert osteopath and to begin therapy sessions immediately.