specific exercises, taping and a home exercise programme for the athlete to complete independently. For example a simple ankle sprain would be given a variety of exercises these include a range of movement exercise of writing the alphabet using foot and ankle joint, standing on the affected ankle for small periods of time first with eyes open then eyes closed for joint proprioception to allow brain to know where joint is in space. Theraband exercises to increase strength, stretching of relevant muscles to help increase the flexibility at the joint. Along with the exercises the possible use of acupuncture and kinesiology taping can also be used. Stage Three is when the client is around 90-95% recovered. When this
percentage of recovery has been reached sport specific activity testing can begin. This testing is joint and sport specific. This allows the athlete to feel confident in their recovery but also allows the medical team and coaching staff to ensure the athlete is recovering well as intended but also to confirm that the athlete is ready for sport specific training and return to sport. No matter what the injury if these three stages are applied it will help with the recovery and rehabilitation of the athlete. With more serious injuries protocols and set time lines are applied especially when surgical management has been involved but these stages are still used with the protocols.
Whether your pain/injury is old or new the key is to get to the root of the problem. The fundamental part is to ensure strength, muscle balance, flexibility, range of movement and proprioception are present as well as ensuring the whole body is working efficiently and without pain. If with an injury there is doubt please consult your local physiotherapist, general practitioner or when in serious doubt visit your local accident and emergency department.
Papaya P h o t o g r a p h y
Covering Womens sport around the World : Beach 7’s Rugby Ibiza 2012