Sports injuries
The best way to avoid sports injuries is to remember to warm-up properly before starting an activity. A warm-up should include a regime of pre-exercise stretches to all the main muscle groups. You should also follow a cool-down regime after an activity to stretch your muscles out.
Sports massage is helpful in bringing your muscles to peak condition for a special event and to relieve stiffness in the muscles, if it occurs after a sports activity.
If you are unlucky and pull a muscle or notice a tendon becoming sore or painful, then using an ice pack for a few minutes two or three times a day may be beneficial. Consider consulting your doctor or a Chartered Physiotherapist who can treat your injury and advise you on how much to rest or use the affected area.
We strongly advise that if you are suffering from pain or discomfort that you consult your doctor or other appropriate professional medical personnel before commencing any self-administered courses of treatment or activity.
Whiplash
Whiplash is the name given to a neck or back injury caused by a car accident where the violent force of a collision causes the spine to be whipped forwards and backwards or side to side. This overstretches many structures such as ligaments, muscles and tendons. It also compresses inter-vertebral discs and joints.
Severe cases can cause bruising of your oesophagus (the 'swallowing pipe' in your throat) that can cause temporary discomfort when swallowing, as well as mild brain bruising causing temporary forgetfulness or a muddle-headed feeling.
Headaches are also a common reaction to a whiplash injury.
A doctor should normally initially assess this type of injury. If there is no serious injury such as a fracture, the best way forward is to try and keep moving - and gentle regular exercises will help your spine to recover. A Chartered Physiotherapist or osteopath is qualified to treat this type of injury and help you on the road to recovery.
We strongly advise that if you are suffering from pain or discomfort that you consult your doctor or other appropriate professional medical personnel before commencing any self-administered courses of treatment or activity.
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