Different forms of sporting injuries:

There are many different types of sporting injuries, some of which are listed below.

1.                  Bruises, haematomas and contusions

2.                  Muscle strains and tears

3.                  Joint injuries and ligament sprains

4.                  Joint dislocations

5.                  Fractures

6.                  Nerve traction injuries

7.                  Disc injuries 

How can physiotherapy help your sporting injury?

Most sporting injuries can be safely and effectively treated by your physiotherapist.  Physiotherapists are professionally trained in the assessment and treatment of sporting injuries.  They also have a comprehensive knowledge of biomechanics, rehabilitation, protective equipment and training regimes to make your rehabilitation from your injury appropriate to your sport and as trouble free as possible.

What you should do after you have suffered a sporting injury?

Within the first 48-78 hours you can use the RICE regime:

R - Rest the injured area to reduce any further damage or bleeding to the sporting injury.

I - Ice as soon as practical, ice for 10-20 minutes every 2 hours using an ice pack or bag of ice from the fridge.  Ensure that the ice is wrapped in a towel before being placed on the skin.  The ice will help reduce the inflammation and bleeding in and around the injury.

C - Compression.  Apply a compression bandage to the area to help reduce swelling.  Ensure that the foot or hand below the injured area is still receiving adequate blood supply.

E - Elevation.  It is ideal to place the injured area above the heart to reduce the amount of swelling and bleeding at the injured site.  If it is an ankle injury, you could lie on the couch with your foot elevated on two pillows. 

If there is still significant pain from the sporting injury the following day, please seek help from your physiotherapist.  No referral is necessary and health rebates are available from most private health insurance funds.