Treatments for sporting injuries

Overview

Stretching, massage and foam rolling, heat therapy and cold therapy, cryotherapy chambers and contrast therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy and proprioceptive exercises, and arthroscopic surgery.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   How does stretching help rehabilitation?

   Model answer

   Rehabilitation stretches restore range of movement after an injury. Gentle stretching can also help new scar tissue form along the lines of stress.

2. 2

   How does massage help an injured performer?

   Model answer

   Massage increases blood flow to the tissue and helps remove waste products. Massage also relieves muscle tension and breaks down scar tissue.

3. 3

   What is foam rolling?

   Model answer

   Foam rolling is a form of self-massage using a firm roller under body weight. Foam rolling can reduce muscle tightness and soreness.

4. 4

   Explain how heat therapy works.

   Model answer

   Heat causes vasodilation, increasing blood flow to the area. Heat relaxes muscles and eases stiffness.

5. 5

   Why should heat never be applied to a fresh acute injury?

   Model answer

   Heat increases blood flow, which worsens bleeding and swelling. Heat therapy suits chronic injuries or the later stages of recovery.

6. 6

   Explain how cold therapy works.

   Model answer

   Cold causes vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow, swelling and inflammation. Cold also numbs nerve endings and reduces pain.

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