Inside
Physio Professionals Newsletter August 2012
this issue P.1&2
Overuse Injuries Related To Triathalon
P ro f e ssi o n a l D e ve l o p me n t Physio Professionals prides itself in its continuing staff education initiatives.
Overuse Injuries Related To Triathalon
Staff
Michelle Crew (nee: Peauril) Masters of Physiotherapy Level 3 Sports Physio AIS MAPA
Andy Magill B.Sc. Physiotherapy (Hons)
Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia and presents a real challenge as participants are required to complete, in order, the sports of swimming, cycling and running. Triathlons range from sprint distance (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run) to Ironman (3.8km swim, 180km cycle, 42km run). When first embarking on triathlon or “stepping up” to a longer distance, many individuals will experience injuries due to the repetitive nature and physical demands involved with training and competing. Retrospective studies have shown that up to 75% of triathletes will experience an overuse injury at some point.
MAPA
Andrew Crew Remedial/Sports Massage Performance Bike Fit Accredited Track and Field / Cycling Coach
Typical injuries that present to a Physiotherapist are; Shoulder impingement Low back pain Anterior knee pain Medial compartment knee pain Calf strain Achilles tendonitis When detected early, overuse injuries can be easily rectified, those injuries that are allowed to linger for a time and establish a chronic pattern are harder to manage and may hamper weeks of training, if not a whole season. The root of triathlon related overuse injuries is multi-factored however some common themes in current literature point towards the following reasons; Lack of experience Training errors Technique errors In sufficient warm up and cool down Fatigue Incorrect bike set up There are many factors that may be contributing to the injury therefore assessment presents an interesting challenge. All overuse injuries, whether they be work or sport related, are managed with the same principles, and Physiotherapists are very skilled in the area.
Physiotherapy
Hydrotherapy
Back Rehab
Massage
Performance bike fit
A detailed yet succinct subjective assessment, covering the main topics outlined above, will allow the Physiotherapist and triathlete to figure out the cause of the injury and form a diagnosis. The triathlete will be educated on management in relation to their training; initially this may involve a period of relative rest and use of anti-inflammatory medication. During this time the physiotherapist will also treat using a number of techniques, depending on the nature of the injury. Treatment may involve; Soft tissue massage Trigger point release Joint mobilisation Taping Superficial Dry Needling
The triathlete will be rehabilitated with a tailored program to address the causative factor/s. For example this may involve simple stretching and core stability exercises, or fitting for orthotics following biomechanical assessment. At Physio Professionals we see many triathletes who experience Low Back or Lower Limb pain whilst cycling. With almost every one of these cases we can trace the problem back to inadequate biomechanical bike set up, technique issues or anatomical factors, which over time (days to months), build up to a significant injury that can compromise performance.
During the biomechanical bike assessment we can give real time feedback (cadence, speed, power), in addition to video analysis to help the individual understand and visualise the problem, therefore making it easy to manage and correct. Providing treatment to the injured area, then returning the triathlete to the bike can give immediate improvements, confirmed by the objective data provided on screen.
As the rehabilitation programme continues the triathlete will be gradually re-introduced to normal training, which, if completed in an appropriate manner will avoid any short term reoccurrence of the injury and improve future performance. If you are currently training for an event, whatever the sport may be, and feel you are at risk of, or currently have an overuse injury, we would be happy to carry out an assessment and successfully manage your rehabilitation.
Shop 27 “CENTREPOINT PLAZA” Cnr Minchinton St & Leeding Tce Caloundra Qld 4551 Your Personalised Physiotherapy Centre
PHONE: (07) 5438 9111 Email: admin@physioprofessionals.com.au
www.physioprofessionals.com.au Physiotherapy
Hydrotherapy
Back Rehab
Massage
Performance bike fit