tackling sports INJURIES

JULI-ANN RILEY EXPLAINS HOW PHYSIOTHERAPISTS CAN HELP YOU GET BACK ON TRACK AND ASSIST WITH ENHANCING PERFORMANCE

After a few days, the body starts to repair the damage, but this new tissue is initially very weak. “If you do too much during this time, as is often tempting, it will be damaged,” says Juli-Ann. “But, very importantly, if not enough is done, the tissue does not build up enough strength. Getting the correct balance that puts the right amount of stress on the area at the right time is vital.”

Maintaining strength and flexibility of the rest of the body, in addition to cardiovascular fitness, is also important. “One also needs to slowly improve balance, co-ordination, flexibility, strength and stability around the injured area,” says Juli-Ann.

After a couple of weeks, you can gradually start putting more demands on the tissue, and more advanced and sport-specific rehabilitation could be commenced. “Signs of recurring pain or other problems usually mean that you should slow down or backtrack a bit,” explains Juli-Ann. “Everyone is different, so an individualised treatment programme is best.”

Disclaimer: This is for information purposes and does not constitute medical advice; please contact your healthcare professional.

Physiotherapists can assist you from day one throughout the stages of your recovery and rehabilitation. They can also address underlying risk factors for further injury, and assist with enhancing performance. “The goal is to get you even better than you were before,” says Juli-Ann.

Juli-Ann Riley is a local physiotherapist with a special interest in the treatment of sports injuries. She enjoys being active through swimming, hiking, trail running, bodyboarding, scuba diving, snorkelling and paddling. Juli-Ann has completed two single Dusis and loves exercise that is fun and takes her out into nature.