Whether you’re a daily runner or a weekend footballer, we all know the feeling immediately when you think you’ve injured yourself. For anyone who has been partaking in sports for several years, the twinge a sports injury causes is easily noticed. While many would suggest a couple of weeks of rest, some require an osteopath for a sports injury.
It can be difficult to know when an osteopathy appointment is the best course of action, especially if you’ve never been before. As a Berkshire-based practice, we help athletes, professional and amateur, with their rehabilitation by focusing on the whole body. We’ve put together this article to help you know when it’s time to visit an osteopath.
What Sports Injuries Can an Osteopath Help With?
An osteopath can help treat the symptoms of a range of sporting injuries. Their focus is on the body as a whole, so they’re trained to look at the injury holistically and aim to identify further causes of pain or areas susceptible to injury.
Injuries that osteopaths can help with include:
- Muscle strains
- Ligament sprains
- Lower back pain from lifting
- Neck or shoulder pain from swimming or cycling
- Runner’s knee
- Tennis elbow
- Recurrent hamstring injuries
- Lingering post-match stiffness
It is important to remember that acute injuries, ones that happen suddenly and are focused in one area, can be managed by osteopaths, but should first be seen by your GP. An osteopath can help with your recovery, improving movement and aiding with designated stretches.
Recurring injuries are where osteopaths excel with their help. They can help with rebuilding movement and implementing stretches that help prevent further injuries from occurring.
Signs You Should See an Osteopath After a Sports Injury
If you’ve suffered from a sports injury before, it can be tough to know when the right time is to see an osteopath. We’ve compiled some common scenarios that should end with a visit to an osteopath, such as our team here in Berkshire at The Orchard Clinic.
Signs you need to see an osteopath for your sports injury:
- Pain lasting more than a few days
- Swelling not improving
- Reduced range of movement
- Recurrent injury in the same area
- Pain spreading elsewhere
- Concern about returning to sport safely
Your pain doesn’t have to be severe to visit an osteopath. If you’re suffering from aches and pain that is stopping you from living to your expected quality of life, get in touch with your local osteopath.
How Osteopathy Supports Sports Injury Recovery
How osteopaths help with sports injury recovery can be broken down into three stages. The first is the assessment stage, where the osteopath identifies underlying causes, such as postural or biomechanical factors, and then they begin creating a treatment plan. Stage two is hands-on treatment where the osteopath looks to support the body’s natural recovery. The final stage is rehabilitation to take home with you, along with guidance on return to sport.
A Detailed Assessment
This stage includes movement screening, identification of underlying causes and the osteopath will take a look at postural or biomechanical factors. Once they have completed the assessment, they can begin issuing your personalised treatment plan.
Hands-On Treatment
The hands-on stage is where the osteopath will begin treating your body, looking to alleviate any symptoms of pain. This stage could include joint mobilisation as well as soft tissue massage techniques that release tension. This stage supports circulation and healing, allowing the body to recover naturally.
Rehabilitation & Return-to-Sport Advice
Once you have been through the hands-on treatment stage, you will then enter rehabilitation, which is just as important as the treatment. This is where you will be given a range of strengthening exercises and guidance on stretching to help your gradual return to sport. This is a critical stage for future injury prevention.
Why Early Treatment Matters
A proactive approach to treatment is essential to long-term injury-free periods. If you’re suffering from a minor injury but continue to partake in sport, you will develop compensation patterns as you look to perform without aggravating your current injury. Seeking treatment early can help avoid this.
As someone who enjoys their sport, ignoring treatments slows down your recovery and can turn minor strains into chronic injuries, ultimately sidelining you for longer. It is commendable to be able to know when to stop sports to recover while getting treatment.
Can Osteopathy Help Prevent Future Sports Injuries?
Osteopathy is a known treatment method that not only helps you recover from injuries but also prevents future ones. Your bespoke treatment plan will improve your movement efficiency, identifying areas of weakness, specifically muscle imbalances. They will also look at postural awareness to improve how efficiently you move, ultimately preventing injury.
The osteopathy team here at The Orchard Clinic helps professional and amateur athletes not only recover but also prevent further injury. Find out how when you book an appointment with us.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Osteopathy can help treat a range of injury symptoms, but there are scenarios where you need to seek urgent medical attention. These include:
- Suspected fracture
- Severe swelling
- Loss of sensation
- Sudden weakness
- Significant trauma
It is critical that you visit your nearest hospital if you are suffering from any of these symptoms.
Seeing an Osteopath for a Sports Injury in Berkshire
If you’re looking for a warm and inviting treatment clinic in Berkshire, why not come and visit us here at The Orchard Clinic. Our team of experienced practitioners take a personalised care approach so every patient that comes through our doors is cared for in a way that they appreciate. Whether you’re a professional or amateur sportsperson, we can help you recover and rehabilitate. Get in touch to find out more and book an appointment.
Osteopathy for Sports Injuries FAQs
Here we have compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about osteopathy for sports injuries, along with their answers. If you have a question, please get in touch.
How Soon After A Sports Injury Should I See An Osteopath?
If you have suffered an acute injury, you should see an osteopath within 3 days of the injury occurring to prevent the injury from getting worse. If you’re unsure of the severity, leave it no longer than 7 days before seeing an osteopath.
Can An Osteopath Treat Acute Sports Injuries?
Yes, Osteopaths can treat acute sports injuries with various manipulation techniques to reduce pain and swelling. Ultimately, they naturally aid recovery and healing.
Do I Need A GP Referral To See An Osteopath In The UK?
No, you do not need a GP referral to see an osteopath in the UK. You can book directly with your local, qualified osteopathy practice.
Is Osteopathy Suitable For Amateur Athletes?
Yes, osteopathy can be just as effective for both amateur and professional athletes.
