Knowledge
Medical Insight: Polodoc
Dr.med. Andreas Krüger is a Swiss board orthopaedic and trauma surgeon in Zurich, who specialises in knee and shoulder surgery. Andi is a second generation of tournament doctors for equine sports, known as Polodoc since 2013
In or Out
Missed hits, hitting in the ground or fouls are the major causes for injuries and can lead to impaired shoulder function with instability. Morphologic injuries of the musculoskeletal system through these actions are well studied and understood. The complex interaction of neuronal networks and perfect function of sophisticated steering programs remains a large field of research. One of the biggest challenges is achieving swift and full stability and free range of motion, so that precise and powerful hits after injury are possible whilst playing the game without mental restrictions.
Stabilty & mobility of the shoulder
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Photography courtesy of Polodoc
A shoulder brace can support the joint post-injury
A free range of motion in the shoulder is key for a strong and correct swing during polo, just a small limitation of range of motion or instability can decrease the performance. Hypermobility in the joint or weakness in the rotator cuff can also open the door to injuries. The flawless interaction between the motor cortex in the brain (where the action is created) and the muscle contraction in the extremity (where action happens) after an injury or surgery is key. Until now, many shoulder rehabilitation protocols missed focused work on this important area. With new training and rehabilitation technologies, neuroplasticity can build up new neural networks. The brain changes through growth and reorganisation of individual neuron pathways, thus making new connections, 54
Polo Times, May 2021
The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated joint of the body. Dislocated shoulder signs and symptoms may include a visibly deformed or out-of-place shoulder with swelling or bruising. The shoulder can dislocate forward, backward or downward, completely or partially, though most dislocations occur through the front of the shoulder. Mostly intense acute pain and inability to move the joint is present. Shoulder dislocation may also cause numbness, weakness or tingling near the injury, such as in the neck or down your arm. The muscles in the shoulder may spasm from the disruption, often increasing the intensity of your pain. With clinical examination on the field, a locked arm and the deformed shoulder are important symptoms of a shoulder dislocation. Further assessment is performed with standard X-ray in the hospital. Examination of the nerve injuries, especially of the axillary nerve, is mandatory.
and systematic adjustments like cortical remapping which leads to faster recovery and higher performance.
Injury Pattern
Dislocation of the shoulder is an injury in which the upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket that is part of the shoulder blade. This happens when the swing is suddenly stopped or when a player falls on the shoulder or arm. The most common is the anterior (front) dislocation. The shoulder is the body’s most mobile joint, which makes it susceptible to dislocation. A dislocated shoulder needs prompt medical attention. Players with a hypermobile joint may encounter little popping symptoms due to subluxation without full dislocation.
X-rays provide further assessment of the injury
www.polotimes.co.uk
