How to reduce the risk of injury and speed up recovery by Doug Plunkett, Moveology.
By Malcolm | 2nd October 2017 | General
Who are you and where are you based?
I am Doug Plunkett, senior therapist at Moveology™. We Specialise in helping clients out of pain by getting their bodies back to centre again and our tag line is 'Improvement Through Movement™'
We use a mixture of traditional and latest techniques, using gait analysis and pressure plate technologies. Our client base tends to be both ahtletes and non-athletes who have been suffering chronic pain that traditional treatments can only ease temporarily.
What are the most common sports related injuries you see?
We see a whole range of injuries at our clinics from falls, impact and postural issues to all manner of sports injuries. I think one of the most common has to be lower back pain/injury. The usual reason is lack of activation/strength in the glutes causing compensation issues elsewhere. After lower back I would say we have a lot of shoulder and calf injuries, mainly due to overuse in swimmers and runners.
What's your top tip for reducing the risk of injury?
My top tip has tovisit a recommended sports massage therapist at least once a month to stop any 'niggles' developing into injuries that could lead to having to take time out from training.
Are there any ways people can speed up their recovery?
To help speed up your recovery there are several things an athlete can do. Immediately after training (30mins after max) take on some carbs and protein to help refuel and repair tired and torn muscles. Also get your self a good sports massage a couple of days after a hard training day or race. Finally, practice a good cool down/stretch protocol. You may also want to look into taking up Pilates or yoga to help with core stability and flexibility.
What should people look for when choosing a treatment provider?
You should look for someone who comes recommended and is into the same sport as you are firstly. Once you found someone you then want to check out qualifications and industry bodies they maybe affiliated with.