Sports Injuries

You’d think when you’ve worked at a clinic with ‘sports injuries’ in the title, that defining that phrase would be relatively easy but is it……….?

Sports injuries could most easily be defined as ‘injuries that occur while playing sport’ but is spraining your ankle putting your foot in a rabbit hole during a round of golf a sports injury?

An alternative definition could be an acute (recent) soft tissue injury associated with playing a particular sport – but is a tennis elbow caused through playing tennis any different to a tennis elbow caused through repetitive DIY jobs? The answer is ‘no’.

So what makes sports injuries special that they need their own specific category? Well nothing really but when we come to how we treat these injuries the rehabilitation is likely to need sports specific training to help patients return to their sport safely and without further problems.

Here at Ashbourne and Hilton Physio Centres we treat each and every injury as individual – no template of exercises for a particular condition – because we all start from a different point of fitness, all injuries are unique in themselves, and every patient has different outcomes they hope for as an end point to treatment whether that’s running a marathon, riding a horse, playing football with grandchildren or cycling the length of Britain.

Soft tissue injuries include:

Muscle sprains
Ligament strains
Bruises
Overuse injuries like tendinitis
Bursitis

They normally involve an overload of the tissues in some way beyond the capacity of that tissue. This overload can be a sudden overload situation like an awkward tackle which gives an ‘acute injury’ or, a ‘chronic’ condition which overloads the tissue in small increments over time like overstraining a tendon in tennis backhand leading to tennis elbow or an Achilles injury from running for longer in new running shoes or perhaps shoulder pain from repetitive cricket bowling in nets at the start of the season.

Gradually increased training load can increase the capacity of the tissue over time so it takes more load to cause injury.

The short and tall of it is that the tissues need a time of relative rest to heal, and sports men and women are notoriously impatient to get back to the sport or hobby they love. Physios have to be imaginative to keep patients motivated and mentally positive during the recovery phase (there are often work around ways to keep fit while recovery takes place) and then guide them carefully through a structured rehab programme to get the patient safely back to the activity they love. It is our job to push you forwards when you are apprehensive and hold you back when you are getting ahead of yourself, but this is always done through discussion of what is going to work best for your circumstances. Our physios have years of experience of dealing with these types of injuries but, as every body is different, we never tire of looking for that individual treatment approach that is going to work best for you – this keeps life interesting and challenging.

What our customers say

Don’t just take our word for it!

See what some of our happy customers have to say about us.

“A breath of fresh air’, wonderfully professional, and giving thoughtful expert advice, even on subjects not necessarily linked to the health problem being addressed; beyond the call of duty and nothing like what I had previously experienced locally.”

“As always kind caring really encouraging and understanding my arthritic problems.”

“Highly professional, in depth expertise, wonderful manner and engagement.”

“Ridiculously knowledgeable and helpful, I learn so much about my own body at every appointment.”

“I was treated in a very friendly and professional way, my therapist was respectful and made me feel at ease, she listened carefully and discussed my treatment and any questions I had in an understanding way.”

“Always listens and acts on my issues whilst ensuring I continue to make progress.”

“The appointment is always on time and runs smoothly and I am made to feel comfortable throughout; I feel I can trust the advice I am being given and know I am in safe hands.”

“I felt well attended to and every concern of mine was taken into consideration.”

“Provides me with motivation, positivity and involvement.”

“I was apprehensive but also so ready for this appointment! I was listened to whilst also having mini discussions through my assessment. My physio gave me clear instructions and demonstrated what I could do to help myself and the physio process. She explained all she was doing with my back/shoulder/neck asking me frequently how the area felt. Everyone was friendly and welcoming.”

“The appointment was very reassuring and helpful, giving me the confidence to resume my exercises and physical activities which mean so much to me.”

“Worthwhile consultation with knowledgeable and friendly physiotherapist, area of weakness identified and appropriate exercises given at time of appointment and followed up with additional information as promised via email same day.”

“I appreciate the consistency of care from being able to see the same person each visit rather than explaining things to different people each visit. I have always received excellent support and communication from my physio.”

“Reception is the best and most professional in the area, as I felt very comfortable and safe making and attending appointments.”

“Your reception team are doing a brilliant job and I as a disabled person with a lot of health problems feel 100% safe within the building.”

“I would certainly recommend you to anyone struggling with any muscular or skeletal problems etc . You have been the biggest help to me for many years Thankyou ….....”

“A very friendly professional service from all staff. Well organised appointment system, nothing is too much trouble. Everything is sparkling clean and I have no worries about cross infection from COVID . They make me feel so much better.”

“I am new to the practice and everything so far has been very impressive – telephone booking, online forms, appointment and care during it, and now the focus of this questionnaire. Thank-you.”

“All the reception staff are lovely and always so helpful. The facilities are always spotless and I have felt very safe coming to physio since covid-19,wearing a mask & using the gels especially being in the venerable category. Everything has always been first class from entering the building, physio & reflexology/aromatherapy treatments. Can’t fault it so thank you🙂.”

Are You A New Patient?

If you have not visited us before and have not experienced physiotherapy before you may be unsure what to expect. We're here to help.

Please give us a call and one of our experienced team will be able to answer any questions or queries you may have.

What To Expect