Acute Knee Injuries

Whether you play sport socially or professionally, a knee injury can cause significant pain and dysfunction.  Acute knee injuries are one of the most common sporting injuries seen by Physiotherapists, and they can often mean a long break from sporting activity. There are three main tissue types that can generally be injured in the knee … Read more

Food Supplements

There are arguments both for and against many food supplements. The following outlines some of the most common food supplements on the market. Creatine For:Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in meat and fish.  It is stored in the body’s muscles; it is used to generate energy in intense bursts. Almost 150 clinical studies … Read more

Groin Pain

Groin Pain Groin pain in athletes, both recreational and professional, provides a huge diagnostic challenge. The groin, defined as the region between the trunk and hip, is a complex region; a defect in one part having profound effects on the health of the others. Most commonly seen groin pathology are those associated with the adductor … Read more

Low Back Pain

Low back pain is very common in the community and can affect workers, sports people, new mums, older people, even young people! Many sports people suffer from low back pain particular those who ignore the early warning signs. Early intervention provides the best possible outcome for low back pain and it is important to seek … Read more

Podiatry for Athletes

Biomechanical Gait AnalysisSports injury, acute or chronic, can easily develop from poor biomechanics of the foot.  Biomechanics is a broad area within Podiatry, which involves a detailed evaluation and analysis of how the joints of the limb and foot function in relation to each other.  This requires sophisticated equipment and training to best understand human … Read more

R.I.C.E.D

 The most important time in the treatment of soft tissue injuries is the first 24-48 hours immediately following the injury. When soft tissue is injured there is also damage to the blood vessels in the area and this can lead to swelling. Swelling and increased pressure in the area of injury can lead to inhibition … Read more

Shin Splints

‘Shin splints’ is a commonly used term to describe pain experienced along the inner border of the shin.  The term is a very general one, and in fact involves a number of specifically different pathological conditions.  Shin splints occur especially amongst active sports people participating in running and pounding sports. Muscle Compartment:The muscles of the … Read more

Sports Massage

Every athlete knows that a massage feels great, and can be a welcome reward after a hard training session.  However, sportspeople need to understand how regular massage can assist in recovery and help aid performance. Intense training or competition will invariably lead to an increase in resting muscle tone – so called “tight muscles”.  This … Read more

The Importance of Water

Many people are living in a state of perpetual dehydration and are, without realising it, putting their health at risk.  Water does much more than just keep us alive, however many are still getting most of their fluid intake from soft drinks, coffee and alcohol. By drinking liquids other than water, the concentration level of … Read more

Why Stretch?

Stretching relaxes the body and improves flexibility.  As athletes, it should be part of your daily life. Stretching: Reduces muscle tension and enhances relaxation Helps co-ordination by allowing for easier movement Increases range of motion Prevents injuries such as muscle strains (pre-stretched muscle resists stress better than a non-stretched muscle) Prepares you for strenuous activity … Read more