Increase in injuries in lead up to summer of sports
Physiotherapists saw an increase of over 20% in sports injuries in the lead up to the summer of sports, a new survey revealed.
Running topped the survey as the sport an astounding 81% of physiotherapists believe people suffer more injuries from than many other sports. The survey, conducted by private healthcare provider BMI Healthcare, showed football (79%) was a close second and rugby (65%) rounded off the top three sports physiotherapists associated as causing the most sports injuries.
Other sports causing most injuries were ranked:
Gym (33%)
Tennis (27%)
Netball (17%)
Golf (17%)
Horse Riding (17%)
Triathlon (17%)
Hockey (14%)
Basketball (12%)
Gymnastics (10%)
Cycling (6%)
Volleyball (2%)
Skiing and figure skating were also mentioned by physiotherapists as high injury sports. However, unsurprisingly swimming was not rated by the physiotherapists as an activity causing injuries.
A paper published in the latest Lancet series has suggested that doctors should be more aware of their patient’s fitness levels as physical exercise is crucial to their health. They advised doctors to see exercise as a fifth vital sign in conjunction with temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate. Physical exercise and sport are ideal for maintaining a healthy life and assisting with general wellbeing, but if taking up a new sport for the first time, awareness and prevention of injury should always be recommended.
The survey revealed the most common sports injury seen by physiotherapists is muscle pulls and sprains. Shoulder impingement, neck pains and a torn meniscus were also highlighted by physiotherapists as common injuries caused by sports.
The survey shows physiotherapists would advise anyone taking up a sport to be in reasonable physical fitness for the activity to prevent injuries. This could imply visiting a physiotherapist, talking to your GP, a personal trainer, coach or someone who has been playing a particular sport for a while about what levels of fitness are required.
More preventative measures in order of importance suggested by physiotherapists are:
Correct technique
Warming Up
Stretching
Cooling down
Rest between training sessions
Correct Equipment
Staggered training schedule
Hydration
Good nutrition or diet
Consulting a sports specialist
Sarah Tribe, National Lead of Physiotherapy at BMI Healthcare said, “With sporting events dominating the summer a lot of people are trying new and different sports for the first time.
“This is ideal for people who want to keep fit and healthy but we also want people to be aware that injuries do happen so they should take all necessary precautions and seek advice from an expert.
“If they do suffer a minor injury they shouldn’t be put off but be mindful of their limitations and build up fitness levels over an appropriate period of time rather than rushing into anything.”
If you are unlucky enough to sustain a sports injury though, immediately follow the P.R.I.C.E principles:
Protection - use strapping or a support for comfort and to protect the area
Rest - rest the injured area
Ice - apply ice packs for 10 minutes every hour
Compress - use tubigrip or a compression bandage to help reduce the swelling. Check toes and fingers regularly for colour and temperature; remove the compression dressing at night.
Elevate - elevate or raise the injured part, ideally above the heart to help disperse swelling.
*If you are concerned about any aspect of your health over the sporting season speak to your GP.