Sports Injuries
Achilles Tendonitis, Sports Massage, Acupuncture for Pain Relief, Sprained Ankle, Tennis Elbow Treatment
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is a condition that causes pain in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is used when walking, running, and jumping and can become inflamed from overuse or even tear or rupture. Treatment for Achilles tendonitis may include rest,heat, ice, and physical therapy.
Sprained Ankle Treatment
What is Sports Massage for Pain Relief?
Sports massage is a type of massage that is specifically designed for athletes. It is used to help prevent injuries, relieve pain and tension, and improve flexibility and range of motion. Sports massage can be used before, during, or after athletic activity. It can be performed on healthy athletes as well as those who are injured.
Athletes have long used massage to help them recover from strenuous exercise and competition. Massage helps increase blood flow and circulation, speeding up the removal of toxins and promoting healing. It can also help to reduce inflammation and swelling. Massage can also be beneficial in helping to prevent injuries by keeping muscles and tendons flexible and strong.
Your physiotherapist will assess the injury and if they feel massage is appropriate will coordinate and refer to a massage therapist who will tailor the massage to your specific needs based on your sport, activity level, and any areas in which you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
What are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Pain Relief?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice used for centuries to treat various conditions. Today, acupuncture is gaining popularity in the western world as an effective treatment for pain relief.
Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It is based on the belief that there are energy pathways or “meridians” throughout the body that become blocked when someone is ill or in pain. By inserting thin needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture can unblock energy flow and help the body heal.
A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for pain relief. A review of studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that acupuncture effectively reduced pain from various conditions, including back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and headaches.
If you are considering acupuncture for pain relief, consulting with a qualified practitioner with experience treating your particular condition is essential. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and certified practitioner.
Treatment Options for Sprained Ankle and Tennis Elbow Pain and Knee ligament and cartilage strains
Many different treatment options are available for those suffering from pain due to a sprained ankle or tennis elbow or knee injuries depending on the type and degree of the injury. One of the most common treatments for a sprained ankle is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This method helps reduce swelling and inflammation while protecting the injured area from further damage. This is appropriate in the acute phase ie straight after injury but then treatments change as the injury becomes sub- acute and again if the injury is chronic ie over 3 months old treatments are different again. Sports massage can be beneficial for sprained ankle and tennis elbow pain. This type of massage helps to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Acupuncture is another popular alternative therapy that can be used to treat both conditions. This ancient Chinese practice involves placing thin needles into specific points on the body.
Does Physiotherapy work?
Physiotherapy is at the forefront as a treatment for various injuries and conditions. The first person that sees an injured person on the rugby/football pitch for example is the physiotherapist. But does it work? A systematic review of the research found that physiotherapy can help reduce pain and improve function in people with Achilles tendonitis, sprained ankles, Tennis elbow and knee injuries. Physiotherapy can also help treat other conditions such as low back pain and neck pain. Physiotherapists are trained in hospitals, in all departments and treat many conditions from intensive care. Surgical, Neurological, Respiratory, Geriatric Departments and many more. There is a close relationship and understanding with the medical field with referrals back and forth between the two if needed.