The first game of the footy season starts tonight so let’s talk about the 3 most common injuries in AFL and how Osteopathy can help manage these injuries throughout the season.
1. Hamstring strains
Incidence: In 2021, hamstring strains were the most common injuries in the AFL, with an incidence of 4.94 new injuries per club, up from 4.86 in 2020. These hammy tweaks are the most common cause of matches missed with 20 AFL matches per club.
How Osteopathy can help
• Assessment of biomechanics and muscle imbalances
• Manual therapy such as dry needling, soft tissue massage and cupping to promote blood flow and healing
• Sport-specific strengthening and rehab exercises to prevent recurrence.
2. Concussions
Incidence: Concussions caused 3.68 injuries per club in 2021, up from 1.30 in 2020. These mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) need to be managed carefully.
How Osteopathy can help
• Osteopaths promote graded return-to-play protocols after concussions.
• Concussion management with rest/recovery and treatment of symptoms.
• Manual therapy to restore nervous system imbalance, muscular tension and joint restrictions.
3. Calf strains
Incidence: Calf strains were responsible for 2.61 new injuries per club in 2020. These calf twinges kept the medical team on their toes.
How Osteopathy can help
• Thorough assessment to find the root cause of the strain/tear such as feet mechanics, muscle imbalances and overall mobility.
• Manual therapy to promote blood flow and kickstart the healing process.
• Strength and conditioning exercises to assist in return to sport and reduce risk of aggravation.
These are among other injuries that occur in high intensity contact sports such as AFL and Osteopaths can help athletes manage their injuries through treatment, rehab and return to sport and more importantly, keep them on the field. 🏈
It’s best to be proactive than wait for an injury to happen, come and see us for a functional movement assessment to help keep you injury free this season.
Ps. Let’s go Saints! 🔴⚪️⚫️