The treatment of sports injuries by Osteopaths is an increasingly popular choice for sportsmen and women. Athletes from many disciplines at many levels are seeking the Osteopath’s unique skills and detailed knowledge of the body mechanics. Osteopathy can help keep you at your training peak and also enable a swift return to sport following strains and overuse injuries.
In the past, sports injuries have been examined and treated as separate problems and considered in isolation from the rest of the body. Treatment has been to only the injured part. Osteopaths consider all the factors, which may have led up to and contributed to the injury. These are often just as important as the injury itself and may slow or even prevent total and speedy repair (e.g - when considering a hamstring injury for instance, neural tension, low back and sacroiliac mechanics, gait, opposing and synergistic muscles are all reviewed in addition to the types of sport the individual is involved in).
In addition to direct treatment, Osteopaths will discuss rehabilitation techniques, self help and measures that may help to prevent recurrence. Osteopaths use a number of methods of strengthening, depending on the severity of the injury. These include therabands, dumbell and Swiss Ball excercises which are all aimed at improving muscle and joint function. Sport specific excercises are all included as part of your rehabilitation.
The osteopathic approach also helps the body’s various parts to function as they should ‘for you and your sport’. The ‘whole’ body functions better and greater potential for improved performance is the natural consequence.
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