Although the name implies the treatment of sports related injuries, it is by no means limited to such. Sports injury therapy is a ‘global’ term given to the treatment of a wide variety of soft tissue, musculo-skeletal injuries, see below.
Although sports related problems have increased in recent years, due to the increase in leisure activities, sports therapists treat soft tissue injuries caused by normal everyday activities including backache, whiplash etc.
The sports therapist uses a range of treatment techniques including massage and ultrasound electrotherapy. Soft tissue lesions, (muscle strain), account for over 80% of ‘sports injuries’.
Massage is used to relieve muscle spasm, induce relaxation and reduce oedema. Some deep massage may be required to break down any adhesions in muscle, tendons or ligaments. The biological effects of Ultrasound aid tissue repair, reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Ultrasound treatment produces internal heat which is useful in the treatment of chronic lesions.
