Exercise prescription forms an integral part of most physiotherapy rehabilitation programmes. Exercise is essential to recovery from sports injuries, following surgery, after an acute trauma such as from a fall or fracture, in the management of acute and chronic low back pain, neck pain and headaches and in the treatment of long term conditions such …
The word acupuncture comes from the Latin word for needle (acus) and it means “puncturing of bodily tissue for the relief of pain”. Physiotherapy use of acupuncture in the form of dry needling is often confused with the Eastern medicine practice of acupuncture. While Chinese acupuncture is based on healing through correcting the energy flow …
The game of tennis is one that requires endurance, flexibility and good overall fitness. Many people become injured while playing tennis either from a sudden impact or from overuse of muscles and joints. Beginners are very likely to suffer injury as are those who take up tennis for the first time later in life. Some …
Surfing can be an exhilarating experience and in recent years it has become an increasingly popular water sport. However, it can be hazardous especially if you are starting out or if you are not physically fit. Even seasoned surfers may push their skills to the limit by tackling bigger waves and making daring manoeuvres that …
The game of squash is a high-impact, fast-moving one that lends itself to a lot of injuries, some of which may be severe. Apart from the injuries that can occur from moving around the court, players also become injured from contact with the ball, body contact with an opponent, their opponent’s racquet and even the …
Rugby is a tough, fast-moving sport that incurs many injuries from tackling and scrummaging. Many rugby injuries can be avoided with the use of protective gear but others may be unavoidable. Some of the more common rugby injuries are: Contusions and lacerations These represent a high percentage of rugby injuries. A contusion is another name …
Netball is a game that calls for fast movements, lots of jumping and throwing and quick changes in direction. As a result, injuries of the foot and knee are very common. Being physically fit is not enough. Athletes should practise good jumping and landing techniques as well as warming up thoroughly and cooling down after …
Mountain biking is a fast, exciting sport that is gaining popularity. The type of injuries depend on the type of mountain biking you do, with downhill biking having a higher incidence of injury than biking on flat terrain. Injuries may be acute and traumatic or those resulting from overuse. However, as in any other sport, …
Martial arts in its different forms carry with it the risk of injury, ranging from mild to severe. Seasoned martial arts performers stand a higher chance of sustaining a more serious injury due to the competitive nature of the sport. Amateurs are more likely to suffer contusions, sprains and strains. Before beginning martial arts or …
Athletes who participate in endurance sports are subject to injuries different from those suffered by other athletes. Most of these endurance sports injuries are the direct result of pushing the body to its limits over a long period. For example, shin pain and various forms of tendinopathies are common among long-distance runners and triathletes, while …
