Osteopathy for Sports Injuries

Reduced joint or muscle flexibility will affect your performance. Muscles that don't contract from their full resting length have less power. It may also result in injury. If you do become injured, your osteopath is highly trained to facilitate a return to optimal function and prevent compensatory strains from occurring. This aims to minimise re-injury and allow a quicker return to physical activity.

Osteopathic treatment involves manual techniques, including soft tissue stretching, mobilisation, inhibition and manipulation. These techniques assist in improving elasticity, strength, endurance, mobility and performance.

Sports injuries and children

Children need to grow with optimal mobility, strength and balance. Sport and exercise can place exceptional demands on their bodies. Sports injuries in children should be cared for by professionals who are fully aware of the needs of young growing bodies.

Before treating your child, the osteopath may perform a comprehensive physical examination and refer to other health care professionals if necessary. The osteopath can provide nutritional advice along with strategies, exercises and routines to help your child avoid further injury and stay healthy, happy and active.

Did you know?

• hamstring and groin injuries invariably involve low back or pelvic restriction and imbalances
• knee pain is related to poor foot and ankle mechanics, thigh muscle tension and hip problems
• shoulder injuries can be caused by tension in the ribs, neck, shoulder blade and upper back
• shin splints involve poor mechanics of the lower leg and foot
• joint injections and pain killers may only mask the problem
• dealing directly with the cause of your problem may prevent further injury and joint degeneration.

If you do get injured, remain calm and apply basic first aid. Seek proper clinical assessment as soon as you can.

To prevent injury

To avoid injury while playing sport or exercising, make sure you warm up and warm down with stretches. You should also drink plenty of water to keep your tissues hydrated. A good way to warm down is to simply do two minutes of gentle walking