For many people sport is a lifestyle, improves health, relieves stress and is fun. However, injuries can sometimes occur, such as a sprained ankle while playing football or a dislocated shoulder in a tennis match. Injuries can also be caused by putting too much stress on the body before it is ready to tolerate it, such as trying to run a marathon prematurely. Sports physiotherapy is a way of relieving pain, improving fitness and enhancing performance through manual therapy.
People usually go to an osteopath when they have pain or injury, but sports injury physiotherapy also helps prevent injuries by identifying physical deficits and counselling patients to prevent future injuries.
Most common sports injuries
Most sports injuries are caused by a direct blow (bruises, contusions, fractures) or indirect force (sprains and tears). Other injuries are due to excessive strain (tendon injuries, stress fractures). The most frequent injuries are
Muscle strain
Who hasn’t ever pulled a muscle during sport? It is one of the most common sports injuries. The muscle is overstretched and tears. Muscle strain mainly affects the calf, quadriceps, groin, lower back and shoulder area. It can usually be relieved with a little rest, ice and sports physiotherapy.
Anterior cruciate ligament rupture
The anterior cruciate ligament is the part of the body that helps hold the knee joints together. A ruptured ligament is very painful and makes walking impossible. It is usually caused by a direct blow to the knee. Treatment requires surgery followed by sports physiotherapy.
Medial collateral ligament rupture
This is another form of ligament rupture, in this case in the part that attaches the femur to the tibia. This tear usually occurs when the knee is pushed sideways. Treatment involves ice compression, orthopaedic braces and sports physiotherapy sessions.
Shin splints
This is one of the most common injuries among runners, caused by overuse of the inner part of the leg or shin. Athletes with flat feet are more prone to developing this condition.
Stress fracture
Another injury caused by overuse is a stress fracture, which occurs when the muscles can no longer withstand the pressure, leading to a fracture. The most affected areas are usually the lower legs and feet, and it is more common in women than in men.
Plantar fasciitis
This injury is mainly due to inflammation of the ligament that connects the heel to the front of the foot, often caused by excessive tension and stress. Treatment typically involves applying ice, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and doing stretching exercises. In more severe cases, surgery and sports physiotherapy may be required.
Sprained ankle
One of the most common injuries, an ankle sprain occurs when the ligament supporting the joint is overstretched due to an incorrect step or a bad twist. Generally, ankle sprains are treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, though more severe injuries may require a cast for several weeks to aid in recovery.
Tennis elbow
This injury is particularly common among racket sport players, caused by overuse affecting the outer part of the elbow. In mild cases, it can be treated with rest and anti-inflammatory medications, while in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Achilles Tendinitis
This condition is caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the lower back part of the leg, just above the heel. Treatment includes rest, ice application, stretching exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications, supported by sports physiotherapy.
Prevention of sports injuries
Sports injury physiotherapists not only treat existing injuries but also help prevent them. Through specialized and personalized techniques, our physiotherapists work to optimize recovery, enhance performance, and prevent future injuries.
This comprehensive approach includes detailed assessments, manual therapies, therapeutic exercises, and rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Whether you are a professional athlete or an amateur, we are here to help you stay in your best physical shape and enjoy your favorite sport without limitations.
Here are some tips to help you avoid sports injuries:
- Use the proper equipment for the sport you practice, as many injuries occur due to the use of inadequate gear.
- Always take time to warm up before starting any intense physical activity or sport.
- Avoid overexertion, which can undoubtedly lead to muscle injury.
- Take the necessary breaks to allow your body to rest and recover.
- Start gradually, as a sudden increase in activity level can place excessive strain on bones, muscles, and joints, leading to injury.
- Learn to listen to your body. Step back at the first sign of discomfort or pain to prevent the injury from worsening.
What are the benefits of sports injury rehabilitation?
Our physiotherapists specialised in sports injuries will work with you to provide a complete rehabilitation treatment with which you will achieve the following benefits:
- Restoration of full functionality in the shortest possible time.
- Rapid recovery and return to sport
- Strengthen weakened muscle groups
- Reducing pain and inflammation from injury
- Maintaining cardiovascular fitness while not playing sport
- Minimise the risk of future injury
- Improve flexibility and coordination
- Advice on appropriate footwear and equipment
Who can use physiotherapy for sports injuries?
Whether you are a high-level athlete or have been injured while participating in a recreational activity, the physiotherapists at Fisioterapia en Ibiza can design a comprehensive rehabilitation treatment to help you regain your physical fitness as soon as possible. Some of these treatments are also included in physiotherapy for pediatric sports injuries. Our physiotherapists have extensive experience in treatments such as:
- Recent or chronic injuries
- Knee ligament tear or rupture
- Shoulder dislocation or separation
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Frozen shoulder syndrome
- Stress fractures
- Hamstring strain
How does physiotherapy help with sports injuries?
Not all types of injuries are the same, depending on the type of injury, it may take weeks or even months to fully recover or may require other types of physiotherapy treatments such as respiratory or neurological. You will need physiotherapy treatment through a series of exercises to help you restore full pre-injury movement.
Our sports physiotherapists will make an initial consultation and design a recovery program depending on your type of injury, making the recovery process as easy as possible. Therefore, if you have had a weekend setback or you are a professional athlete who needs a sports physiotherapist contact Physiotherapy in Ibiza and ask us the questions you need.
