Sports Injuries: First Aid for Muscle Strains/Sprains

Protect: Stop activity
Rest: Avoid stressing injury
Ice:Use an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel for 20 minute sessions. Do not apply ice directly to the skin
Compression: With bandage/tubigrip
Elevate: Injury above level of heart

Seek medical advice if the condition is serious or the pain severe.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Sports Injuries

Sports injuries may broadly be divided into injuries due to accidents and those due to overuse syndromes.

Acute soft tissue injuries due to accidents tend to lead to swelling and inflammation. There may be damage to ligaments, tendons, muscles or cartilage. Physiotherapy can help to reduce the swelling and promote effective healing. Once healing is established, we would work to maintain joint mobility, and restore strength and stability.

Overuse Syndromes are often caused by poor biomechanics (alignment) A detailed assessment will reveal these. The treatment plan may include joint mobilisation, muscle stretching, exercises, taping and orthotics. We may also need to modify your training programme.

Disclaimer: Please note that the advice contained in this publication is not a substitute for professional advice.