Osteopathy for Rugby Injuries
The Rugby Osteopath: Staying in the Game & Out of the Stands
We have seen some incredible displays of human athleticism, combining strength, speed and intuition in the rugby season so far. Unfortunately, it is also the time of year that rugby players, both professional and amateur, start trickling in to the clinic with various injuries that are associated with this high impact, high intensity sport.
The five most common injuries as identified by the RFU are:
5. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
What is it? The MCL is the ligament on the inside of the knee, which stabilises the knee during locomotion. Injury occurs when the fibres of the ligament are torn or ruptured.
Why injury occurs? MCL injury is most often a result of being tackled or sudden changes in direction. Heavy impact while the foot is planted pushes the medial (inside) knee joint apart, while direction changes cause torsion through the knee and stress the ligament. For these reasons back position players are most often affected.
4. Calf Muscle injury
What is it? Most commonly a tear of the Gastrocnemius or Soleus muscles, often at the point where these muscles blend with the Achilles tendon (2-4 inches above the heal).
Why injury occurs? Numerous factors can lead to calf injury ranging from insufficient training to poor arch mechanics and simply having short, tight calves.
3. Thigh Haematoma
What is it? Haematomas are severe bruises resulting from local blood vessel damage, caused by direct blow/trauma to the affected area.
Why injury occurs? A result of high impact collisions. In a sport with such physicality the injuries are unavoidable/bound to happen.
2. Hamstring muscle injury
What is it? A strain or tear of the biceps femoris, semitendinosus or semimembranosus (the hamstring muscles).
Why injury occurs? Similar to the Calf, hamstring injury can result from many things ranging from inadequate training, to poor arch mechanics, limited recovery time between matches and simply having short, tight hamstrings.
1. Concussion
What is it? A sudden, short-lived loss of mental function. It is the most common and least serious type of brain injury
Why injury occurs? Resulting from a blow or other injury to the head. A consequence of the physical nature of rugby.
Long Term Injuries
The above are the most common injuries, however, the following injuries keep players off the pitch for longer periods:
* Shoulder dislocation – a result of heavy impact that is often reoccurring due to weakening of the surrounding ligaments.
* Lumbar disc and nerve root damage – a result of spinal compression
that affects players in forward positions.
* Tibio/fibula fracture – most likely caused by a tackle at high speed.
– Knee ligament injuries (ACL, PCL, LCL) – due to the torsional forces that are forced through the knee when turning in studs, damage due to scrimmaging and being tackled.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about concussion. However, a combination of hands on treatment with rehabilitation often works successfully with acute injuries as well as chronic injuries that are part of complex postural patterns that build up over a period of time. We look to address the underlying causes of injuries, decreasing your chances of future injury.
Please contact us on 0207 206 2625
or email info@ltosteo.co.uk to book a consultation.
We can give you advice specific to your injury and address any concerns you may have.
NOTE: The information provided here is intended as a guideline, not specific to the individual.
PLEASE CLICK HERE for the full RFU Report.
Karen Eastwood
Karen qualified at the British School of Osteopathy in 1998. She has a special interest in Women’s Health and has taken post graduate courses in Obstetrics which involved working in St Mary’s Maternity Unit observing both physiological births and caesarian sections. This fuelled her passionate work with women in pregnancy. Her approach is to work with them to build confidence and teach empowering techniques for managing labour as well as working with the musculoskeletal system to ensure optimum health. Karen has trained in the Body Control Pilates System and refined her knowledge to address postnatal concerns. She is currently studying the Award in Paediatric Osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children.
Karen has completed post-graduate training in Osteopathic Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and has a personal interest in stress, trauma and anxiety management.
Karen is available at Fresh Ground on Mondays 8-12pm, Wednesdays 8-11am and Saturdays 9-1pm.
For an appointment or further questions please call 020 7206 2625 or email info@ltosteo.co.uk