With just four days to go until the start of the 2012
Paralympics, Physiotherapists at BMI Healthcare are encouraging London residents to “be prepared” before
taking up a new sport or exercise regime following on from the successes of
Team GB at this year’s 2012 Olympic Games.
A survey commissioned by BMI Healthcare found that
physiotherapists in London had seen a 20% increase in patients suffering from
sports injuries during the summer period as more local residents have been
inspired by the sporting and Olympic legacy of this summer’s season of sport.
“The fact that more London have been inspired by the Olympics is fantastic and
truly highlights the legacy the games could have in London and across the UK,”
commented Kelly Ratcliff Physiotherapy Manager at BMI The London Independent
Hospital.”
“While we wouldn’t want to discourage anyone from becoming
more active or taking up a sport it is widely acknowledged that newcomers to a
sport or exercise are significantly more likely to be injured than individuals
who have been training for many years. Experienced athletes are stronger
and more coordinated than beginners.”
The survey also looked at the types of sports which cause
the most injury and found that 81% of the physiotherapists surveyed said
running was the most injury prone sport. Football was a close second with 79%
of physiotherapists rating it as high on the injury scale, whilst rugby rounded
out the top three with 65%. Going to the gym (27%) and playing tennis
(27%) were also activities physiotherapists rated as some of the more injury
prone activities.
The most common sports injuries seen by physiotherapists
were muscle pulls and sprains while shoulder impingement, neck pains and a torn
meniscus were also highlighted as common injuries caused during sports and exercise.
“If people are inspired by the Olympics, Team GB or any of
this summer’s sporting events, it is advisable they speak to a GP, physio or
medical professional before embarking on an exercise regime – especially if
it’s been a while since they’ve done anything strenuous. It is then equally as
important to find out more about preventative measures such as, correct
technique, warming up and cooling down, stretching, resting in between sessions
and using the correct equipment in order to maximise the effectiveness of their
exercise and also help prevent injury. However if you are unlucky enough to
sustain a sports injury there are five easy steps you can remember known as the
P.R.I.C.E principles.” Kelly concluded.
Below are the simple easy steps you need to remember if you
do sustain an injury:
- Protection - use strapping or a support for comfort and to
protect the area
- Rest - rest the injured area
- Ice - apply ice packs for 10 minutes every hour
- Compress - use tubigrip or a compression bandage to help
reduce the swelling. Check toes and fingers regularly for colour and
temperature; remove the compression dressing at night.
- Elevate - elevate or raise the injured part, ideally above
the heart to help disperse swelling.
Private hospital news : 25 August 2012
