Sports Physiotherapy
What is Sports Physiotherapy?
Those playing outdoor games viz; football, cricket, swimming, volleyball, badminton, kabaddi, marathon runners and so on are constantly exposed to potential risks of injuries to bones, soft tissues (muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments and fascia) or other organs while training or playing. Injuries differ in the different sports depending on whether it is individual, contact, team, outdoor, indoor etc.
It is a myth to think that the correct time to consult a sports physiotherapist is after the injury. Prevention of sports injuries through fitness programs and treatment of the athlete’s injury or after surgery helps reduce the recovery time to move in a pain free manner and resume his/her sport.
A sports physiotherapist has become an integral part of the sports medicine team and has a crucial role in the management of injuries during major National and International events.
What are the benefits of sports physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy in Sports Injuries HELPS to prevent sports injuries and to get back to sport as soon as possible
Sports physiotherapy involves use of various equipment, exercise forms, myofascial releases, Taping etc. to:
- relieve pain, swelling,
- regain joint mobility,
- improve flexibility,
- increase muscle strength and endurance,
- buildup joint stability,
- enhance cardiovascular fitness,
- maximize neuromuscular coordination and balance.
To get back to playing the sport as soon as possible is where a sports physiotherapist plays a very important role.
Common conditions encountered for sports physiotherapy:
- ACL Injury
- Knee Meniscus Injury
- Muscle Tears
- Foot Ligament Injuries
- Knee Ligament Injuries
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Shoulder Instability
- Fitness training for Sports
- Ilio-Tibial band syndrome
- Jumpers Knee
- Muscle strains e.g. Hamstring Strain, Adductor strain etc.
- Ligament sprains
- Bursitis
- Achilles tendinitis
… and many more conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a Physiotherapist plan a treatment?
A Physiotherapist’s approach to treatment is to treat a ‘person’ rather than “just a body part”.
A Physiotherapist will assess you and make a need-based personalised treatment plan depending on your medical diagnosis, health condition, body mechanics , your existing functions, activities and functional needs at home, workplace and outdoors. The treatment plan includes scientific and evidence-based techniques and a home exercise program which will be customised as per your unique situation, needs and goals.
Is a Doctor's prescription needed prior to Physiotherapy?
Very often Doctors refer the patients for Physiotherapy. Prescription is necessary, especially for post Stroke, Myocardial infarctions, inflammatory disorder, infections, post operative cases, fractures etc. to ensure that the patient is medically stable and can be mobilised.
In case the patient consults a Physiotherapist directly, the Physiotherapist will do a thorough physical examination, diagnosis and guide the patient, and refer to the appropriate medical speciality as necessary. A Physiotherapist is part of the Medical team. They work closely with the Doctors.
Ensure to carry your prior investigations, medical records, discharge summary etc. with you for your consultation.
What is the duration of each session?
This will depend on the type of your health condition. Some may take as less as 15 minutes to some up to 45 min and sometimes even longer for patients with multiple issues.
How many sessions/days of Physiotherapy will I need to take?
This will depend on your health condition. A simple sprain of muscle spasm may be treated in 1-2 sessions whereas conditions like post fractures/ surgery, Stroke, spinal cord injury, respiratory cases may require many more sessions. Your Physiotherapist will be able to guide you.
However, please remember that there will be certain exercises, change of work style habits, Do’s and Dont’s that your Physiotherapist will advise you which you have to carry out routinely for prevention and recurrence of symptoms.