An introduction to Sports Injuries...

Sports Medicine is a relatively new medical discipline and is still in the evolution process. Exercising regularly is probably the most important factor in determining how healthy a population is. Regular exercise benefits almost everybody; but unfortunately can sometimes result in injuries. These may be acute or chronic; but either way can prevent the individual from continuing in their sport or affect performance.

Sports Medicine looks at injury prevention, diagnosis of injury, treatment and rehabilitation. It is appropriate for regular exercisers or those wishing to begin an exercise programme. This does not have to be a science reserved for elite athletes.

One of the most important factors to be taken into consideration in the treatment of sports injuries is Biomechanics. Biomechanics refers to the process of analysing how muscle, bone and tendon interact at the affected joint and also at those joints above and below the affected area. A full understanding of the biomechanics of the individual allows for a more accurate assessment of the problem and a unique personalised treatment plan.

What can sports medicine treat?

Basically any condition that affects a persons ability to participate in their chosen sport. There are two types of injury; acute and chronic.

Acute

These often involve muscle and tendon tears and strains. Any muscle or tendon is capable of tearing. Common examples include hamstring tears, groin strains, or ruptured Achilles tendons. All of these require an accurate assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation.

Following a fracture, range of motion of the joint and muscle strength can be affected. Similarly if a ligament is damaged ; once again the principles of assessment, diagnosis and an individualised treatment plan for rehabilitation apply.

Chronic

These are often overuse injuries. They usually affect tendons; for example friction syndromes around the knee where pain occurs after running for a short period. Stress fractures are another example of a chronic overuse injury.

These injuries need a particularly careful assessment of why the problem occurred. This may include looking at footwear, or training patterns as well as the physical structure and biomechanics of the individual.

Some injuries require surgery. In these cases I will be happy to refer on to an appropriate orthopaedic surgeon. Active rehabilitation after surgery can then be crucial to restore function and performance.

Alternatively a referral to a podiatrist may be required; eg for appropriate insoles or for other specific foot problems.

What will happen at my appointment?

Your first appointments can last for up to an hour. You are welcome to bring a relative or friend with you if you wish. Follow up appointments last up to half an hour.

Initially I will ask you lots of questions about your problem e.g. how long its been there, what makes it worse, and how it interferes with your life. I will also ask some general questions about your health. Then I will carry out a thorough examination. This will include assessment of posture and full examination of joints and muscles. In order to obtain an accurate diagnosis you will be asked to undress to your underwear but gowns are always available. From there we can begin to work out an individual treatment programme for you. This will vary according to your particular problem and will involve some of the following techniques :

How many sessions will it take?

Most conditions can be effectively treated with 3 to 5 sessions. If the condition is longstanding and complex more treatment sessions may be needed.

My Philosophy

I will seek to incorporate my knowledge and experience of acupuncture, osteopathy and traditional medicine to create a unique treatment programme for each individual. This means often using a combination of these disciplines to offer a comprehensive musculoskeletal service.