By The Abbeyfields Clinic
Blisters, chaffing, uninviting training schedules, cold mornings, expensive shoes (several pairs), sponsorship commitments, lycra. Some of the things that come with running are unpleasant but necessary, even essential. Injuries in non contact sport should, theoretically be completely avoidable and the quest to find the risk factors, strength and conditioning routines and training paragons are very much the Holy Grail in Physiotherapy. Do tight hamstrings matter? Does stretching make a difference, and if so when should I do it, before or after training; and which stretch? Static, ballistic, dynamic, cosmic (I made that one up), how many rest days? Do I train with injury and push on or back off?
One thing that physiotherapist do know is that asymmetry is a c picking up non-contact injuries. So a thorough screening for your muscle length, strength and timing is important before embarking on a training routine. Also it is important that the movements that you will be making for your sport are analysed to see if your muscle pattern is efficient and fits within the realms of what your body can do and what your asking it to do. I believe a gap in what you are trying to do, and what your body can cope with flirts with injury. The bigger the gap – the more chance of injury.
The human body is a marvellous machine for adapting and compensating but the compensations only work for so long. There is a range of what would be considered normal for a lot of techniques but when you factor in your unique physical and training characteristics that range narrow. For example running around Thetford Forest in the wet with weak adductors = groin strain time bomb. Hitting the tarmac with weak ankle dorsiflexors = shin splint exploding nightmare. Track racing with inside leg abductor weakness = gluteal and ITB KABOOMB!! You get the picture. If you think you can feel the ticking of your count down to injury? Get assessed, clued up and stop the clock.
Email Tom@theabbeyfieldsclinic.co.uk for more information
