Sports injuries

Sports and exercise place physical demands on the body and injuries can occur at any level, from occasional recreational activity to regular training. Sports injuries may develop suddenly following a specific incident or gradually over time due to overuse, repetitive strain or changes in training load.

Common contributing factors include doing too much too quickly, inadequate recovery, reduced flexibility or strength in certain areas, changes in equipment or footwear and returning to activity too soon after injury. Injuries are not limited to one area of the body and often reflect how well the body is coping with overall load and movement demands.

Sports-related pain may affect muscles, joints, tendons or ligaments and can involve areas such as the back, neck, shoulders, hips, knees or feet. In some cases, reduced movement or stiffness elsewhere in the body may increase strain on a particular area during activity.

Osteopathic assessment and care

Osteopathic assessment for sports injuries focuses on understanding how the body is moving as a whole and how load is being distributed during activity. This includes looking at joint mobility, muscle balance, posture and relevant training or work patterns.

Treatment may involve hands-on techniques to ease muscle tension, support joint movement and reduce strain. Advice is often given on activity modification, pacing and appropriate exercises to support recovery and help reduce the risk of recurrence.

For those who exercise regularly, Osteopathic care may also be used to support recovery between training sessions and help identify areas of reduced movement or imbalance before they contribute to injury.

General advice for managing sports injuries

• Build activity levels gradually, particularly after a period of injury or reduced training

• Allow adequate recovery time between sessions

• Warm up before exercise and cool down afterwards

• Vary activities where possible to avoid repeated strain on the same tissues

• Stay well hydrated

• Following an acute injury, rest the area and use cold packs for short periods if appropriate

If symptoms persist, worsen or return repeatedly, further assessment may be helpful.

Appointments can be booked via my online diary.