Sports Injuries/Treatment
Sports injuries occur during game and practise, but it is
essential to know whether you are just hurt or injured! The Warriors always
suggest you see a sport injury therapist when you get injured, but there are a
few preventative measures you can take and steps you can go through if you are
unfortunate to get injured!
RICE
Rice is an easy way of remembering how to treat an injury
immediately after it has happened.
- R
is for rest. It is important to rest the injury to reduce pain and prevent
further damage, Stop the athlete from performing sport and immobilise the
injury. Use crutches it necessary. Many therapists advocate partial
weight bearing as soon as pain will allow. This is thought to accelerate
rehabilitation.
- I
is for ICE or cold therapy
. Applying ice and
compression can ease the pain, reduce swelling, reduce bleeding (initially)
and encourage blood flow (when used later). Apply an ice pack or similar
immediately following injury for 15 minutes. Repeat this every 2 hours for
the first 24 to 48 hours. Place a thin towel between skin and ice to prevent
ice burn.
- C
is for compression - This is used to control swelling and reduces
bleeding. Wrap a bandage or whatever you can find to do the job, around the
injury and wrap it firmly but not tightly. Check now and again to make sure
the bandage is not too tight.
- E
is for Elevation - Uses gravity to reduce bleeding and swelling by allowing
fluids to flow away from the site of injury. Raise the injured limb above
heart level for the first 48 hours. It is important to rest the limb, so put your feet up and get
someone else to wait on you!
Here is a list of common injures that could happen in
American Football
Sprains and
Strains
ACL and PCL Injuries
Foot
Injuries
Groin Pain
Hamstring Injures
Hip Pointer
Stingers
Shin
Splints
Concussion