Physiotherapy is a treatment that not only helps restore movement and function after injury but also plays a crucial role in preventing future injuries and illnesses. It involves a combination of active exercises, manual therapies such as massages, and guidance on posture correction and proper lifting techniques. In some cases, techniques like acupuncture and dry needling are recommended to stimulate nerves and alleviate pain.
In the lead-up to World Physiotherapy Day 2024, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke with Dr Neha Badgujar, Senior Physiotherapist at Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, to explore the role of physiotherapy in managing and preventing sports injuries. We asked her to shed light on whether physiotherapy can help prevent such injuries and, if so, how it works to do so.
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How Physiotherapy Improves Overall Athletic Performance
According to Dr Badgujar, physiotherapy helps athletes perform better by improving how they move. It fixes problems with their body mechanics so they can move more efficiently.
“By conducting detailed evaluations, physiotherapists identify areas where an athlete may be experiencing movement limitations or muscular imbalances. Through targeted interventions such as manual therapy, strength training, and technique correction, physiotherapists help athletes improve their movement patterns, reduce energy expenditure, and enhance overall efficiency,” she said, adding that it leads to better endurance, speed, and agility.
Can Physiotherapy Help Prevent Common Sports Injuries?
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases describes sports injuries as "the kinds of injuries that most commonly occur during sports or exercise, but they are not limited to athletes." Some examples include bone fractures, dislocation, sprain, strain, bursitis, and tendinitis.
As per the health body, these injuries are common in active individuals.
The good news is physiotherapy can help prevent these sports injuries, according to Dr Badgujar.
She highlighted that physiotherapy focuses on a comprehensive approach to physical conditioning and biomechanics, which help reduce the risk of common injuries, particularly in athletes.
She further added that through detailed assessments, physiotherapists identify individual risk factors, such as muscle imbalances, poor posture, and inefficient movement patterns, and based on these assessments, customised prevention programs are designed.
These programs include exercises to strengthen key muscle groups, improve flexibility, and enhance proprioception. By addressing these areas, physiotherapy helps athletes develop a robust physical foundation that significantly reduces the risk of injuries related to overuse, poor technique, and inadequate conditioning.
Additionally, it is important to note that regular physiotherapy can also help in early detection of potential injuries.
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Exercises To Incorporate In Daily Routine
Athletes or those who are prone to injuries should incorporate various exercises into their daily routine. These include:
- Core strengthening exercises, such as planks and bird-dogs
- Balance and proprioception drills, like single-leg stands and agility ladder exercises
- Dynamic stretching routines, including leg swings and arm circles
“These exercises collectively address strength, stability, and flexibility, which are essential for both injury prevention and performance enhancement,” said Dr Badgujar.
Role Of Physiotherapy In Post-Injury Recovery
In addition to preventing sports injuries, physiotherapy also plays a crucial role in speeding up post-injury recovery.
This includes a tailored rehabilitation program that focuses on progressively rebuilding strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the injured area.
According to Dr Badgujar, physiotherapists use techniques such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities like ice and heat to facilitate healing and reduce pain.
Additionally, physiotherapy addresses factors that could lead to re-injury by educating athletes on proper techniques, modifying activity levels, and providing ongoing exercise routines to maintain physical conditioning. "This comprehensive approach helps athletes not only recover fully but also reduce the likelihood of future injuries," the expert concluded.