August 2024 Newsletter

 

Back pain affects nearly all of us at some point in our lives. Most people make a full recovery and you can do a lot to help yourself. If you take control of the pain you will get better faster and feel better sooner. https://www.csp.org.uk/conditions/back-pain 

 

1. Stay Active – Your back likes movement. Try to keep going and where possible participate in normal activities, although you may need to make some temporary changes. 

2. Control the pain – Use painkillers or anti-inflammatories. If unsure, consult your GP/Pharmacist for a recommendation. Controlling the pain means you will move more normally and thereby get better faster. 

3. Heat or cold – You may get some relief from placing a cold pack (or bag of frozen peas) on the affected area for 15/20 minutes (ensure it is wrapped in a damp tea towel). If you prefer heat, use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. This will help to reduce the pain and muscle tension. 

4. Massage & relaxation – It often feels good and acts by stimulating the skin, which in turn eases the pain and lessens tension. 

5. Manipulation – Assessment of your problems by a Physiotherapist/Sports Therapist will direct treatment to movement problems. They may use mobilising techniques to help restore normal function to your back. https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/back-pain/ 

Whatever sport you are competitively engaged in, be it football, rugby, golf, netball, hockey or gymnastics, pre-season training and injury assessment is essential in your preparations for the next season. You will need to be at peak fitness for the season ahead, as you become involved in ongoing competitions. Pre-season training allows you to build solid fitness foundations, improve your technical ability, and ultimately ensure optimum performance. 

After a break and body recharge following last season, your body will need to regain its fitness to ensure you’re ready for the season ahead to prevent injuries. 

 

Here we look at the importance of pre-season training and ensuring your body is ready for the forthcoming season. 

Strength and flexibility training helps to prevent injury 

A pre-season training programme will encompass strength and flexibility training. Strength training will build muscle strength and improve your overall fitness. Flexibility training will allow your joints to move through a full range of motion and improve your physical performance and help to prevent future injury. 

 

Early diagnosis of sports injuries may prevent further or permanent damage 

Athletes often think they can play through their pain and ignore the signs of injury. Pain is produced by the body to let you know something is wrong. It can either be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long term pain). Ignoring these pain signals can result in: 

 

• Escalating the damage to muscles, joints and tendons 

• Moving from an easily treatable injury to a chronic condition that could lead to permanent damage. 

 

https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/blog/orthopaedics/importance-of-pre-season-training-and-injury-assessment#:~:text=Pre%2Dseason%20training%20allows%20you%20time%20to%20spend%20working%20on,%2C%20dribbling%2C%20passing%20and%20shooting. 

 

If you’ve got a niggling injury that was bothering you last season and has been troubling you during your pre-season training, then it’s time to seek professional advice. Please contact us if you would like to be assessed.