Sports Injuries
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries happen when playing sports or exercising, but some can be due to accidents, poor training practices or improper gear (i.e.: running trainers for runners). A lack of physical conditioning can also lead to injuries, as well as not warming up or stretching properly.
At our Sports Injuries Clinics in Waterloo Southwark SE1 and Canary Wharf South Quay E14 our Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists are trained to handle a variety of sports injuries, either acute or chronic. Our team can work with rehabilitation or aiding sports performance for long and short term benefits.
Available Treatments:
Physiotherapy
Pre & Post-Operative Rehab
Shockwave Therapy
We currently treat a variety of sports injuries common to the following sports:
Cycling
Volleyball
Hockey
Boxing
Racing
Athletics
Martial Arts
Basketball
Running
Football
Rugby
Swimming
Tennis
Gym Perfomance
Golf
Cricket
Sports Injuries Conditions
Some of the most common Sports Conditions we treat here at CBR Clinics are:
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons for GP visits. Because the shoulder is such a movable joint, it has a high risk of instability. This instability can lead to many different problems, being the most common the Subacromial Impingement.
The Subacromial Impingement occurs whenever there is narrowing in the space inside the shoulder joint. Normally the soft tissues (bursa and tendons) have enough space to slide inside the shoulder, but due to inflammation these structures swell up, contributing to the loss of space. This loss of space causes the bones to pinch the soft tissues, causing the impingement to occur.
Other common shoulder conditions include:
- Frozen shoulder
- Adhesive capsulitis
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Instability
- Arthritis
- Fractures
Shin Splints
It often affects runners who do not build their mileage gradually enough or seasoned runners who abruptly change their workout regimen, suddenly adding too much mileage, for example, or switching from running on flat surfaces to hills. Sudden changes might not give the body and muscles enough time to adjust to it.
Shin Splints must not be mistaken by other common and more serious conditions, such as Compartment Syndrome and Stress Fracture.
Bursitis
One of the most common types of bursitis is Trochanteric Bursitis. The greater trochanter of the femur is the bony point on the top/side of the leg bone. Trochanteric bursitis is characterized by painful inflammation of the bursa located just superficial to the greater trochanter. Activities involving running and those involving the possibility of falls or physical contact, as well as lateral hip surgery and certain preexisting conditions, are potentially associated with trochanteric bursitis.
Trigger Points
The only way to treat Trigger Points is by breaking them down so that the muscle can rebuild with fresh and “clean” muscle fibers. We use Shockwave Therapy in our clinical setting to help break down Trigger Points, and results can be seen in as little as 5 minutes.
Shockwave Therapy is proven to deliver results when treating Trigger Points 3 times as fast when compared to conventional treatments.
What causes Trigger Points?
- Overuse
- Trauma
- Muscle weakness and/or imbalance
How do you know you have them?
Most people have Trigger Points on between their shoulder blades, as they sit on a chair 8 hours a day in front of a computer. Muscles fatigue and quickly build up adhesions. You might have felt “knots” on your back which felt like peas when pressed on. Those are Trigger Points.
Sports enthusiasts are known for building Trigger Points due to extensive training. Runners usually have them in their calves and IT band, for instance. Swimmers will build some around the rotator cuff muscles. Muscle usage in general will often lead to Trigger Points, and if left untreated they often lead to injuries.
The main signs of Trigger Points are:
- Knots or “pea-like” spots on muscles
- Local pain and/or tenderness
- Muscle stiffness and lack of flexibility
Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle is a flat, band-like muscle located in the buttocks near the top of the hip joint. This muscle is important in lower body movement because it stabilizes the hip joint and lifts and rotates the thigh away from the body. This enables us to walk, shift our weightfrom one foot to another, and maintain balance. It is also used in sports that involve lifting and rotating the thighs — in short, in almost every motion of the hips and legs.
Piriformis syndrome is an common neuromuscular disorder that is caused when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. It is a common cause of buttock and posterior leg pain. Pain in these areas can begin spontaneously or after an injury. The symptoms are commonly seen in patients with other inflammatory conditions and in patients who sit for most of their work day.
How does it start?
The pain usually begins when the piriformis muscle becomes taut, tender, and contracted. This process causes a deep aching sensation in the midgluteal region that is sometimes associated with pain radiating down the posterior leg or up to the lower back. The tight piriformis may cause a nerve and vessel entrapment syndrome as a consequence of its close proximity to the sciatic nerve and surrounding vessels.
Piriformis syndrome may constitute as many as 6-8% of low back pain conditions associated with Sciatic Pain (Sciatica). Some patients experience symptoms in all five toes rather than in either lateral toes or medial toes, as is generally the case in patients with herniated lumbar discs. Pain in the gluteal area is the predominant symptom.
Symptoms
- Pain, tingling or numbness in the buttock
- Pain can run down the leg
- Pain when climbing stairs
- Pain while sitting for long periods
Tennis & Golfers Elbow
These conditions are also known as Epicondylitis. The main clinical symptoms are pain on resisted movements (extension and flexion) and tenderness at the lateral or medial epicondyle. Previously thought to be an inflammatory process, these tendinopathies are now thought to be on a continuum of change. This is now thought not to begin with an inflammatory reaction; rather, it is thought to be the result of a proliferative reaction due to overload. This causes a thickening of the tendon which, if not treated, can progress to tendon disrepair and eventual degeneration. The term ‘Epicondylitis’ is increasingly thought to be a misleading, with clinicians reverting to the informal names of tennis/golfer’s elbow.
What causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis
– classically, although less so since the advent of lighter tennis rackets and two-handed backhands. Tennis is not the cause in the majority of people with tennis elbow.
Jobs involving repetitive heavy lifting or the use of heavy tools.
Jobs involving movements in an awkward posture
– ie.: arms lifted in front of the body, hands bent or twisted, and precision movements, particularly squeezing and twisting movements.
New and unaccustomed strains such as DIY, gardening, lifting a new baby, moving house, carrying luggage.
What causes Golfer’s Elbow
Golf and other sports involving gripping or throwing.
Jobs and hobbies using repetitive elbow movements
– ie.: DIY, computer use, gardening, chopping, climbing or painting.
Use of vibrating tools.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Usually gradual onset, worsened with use of affected muscles – ie.: opening jars, unable to hold items due to pain.
Usually unilateral but some cases are bilateral. The dominant arm is involved in 75% of people.
Pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, radiating into the forearm, and pain on resisted extension of the wrist, middle finger or both. A tender spot can usually be identified just below the lateral epicondyle on the outside of the elbow.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
Pain and tenderness are maximal over the medial epicondyle, radiating into the forearm.
Pain when flexing and twisting wrist (pronation).
Dull ache at the medial epicondyle.
The onset of pain is usually gradual and aggravated by trying to grasp objects and shaking hands.
It is worsened with affected muscle use, such as forearm rotation or grasping, opening jars
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a common disorder that affects around one-third of adults in the UK each year. Up to 85% of people worldwide will suffer from back pain during their lives and 50% of the working population will experience back pain symptoms at least once a year. This prevalence is high and is leading cause of disability.
It is more commonly seen in office workers, who sit at a desk for long hours, but it is also visible in sports people with specific under or over developed muscles. Lower back pain can originate from a weak lower back, weak or over developed abdominal muscles, tight hamstrings, weak gluteus muscles, or a combination of any of the above.
Exercise plays a great role in keeping the body strong and healthy. People who exercise have a tendency to develop or have experienced lower back pain before need to make sure they are working out all the core muscles (abdominals, upper and lower back, inner thighs, hips and gluteus) Together they keep all structures around the core healthy, supported and pain free, therefore they should be exercised evenly to avoid any imbalances.
Pilates is a great option for those wanting to strengthen their core muscles to prevent lower back pain from reoccuring. It comes from the principle that in order to attain control of your body you must have a starting place: the center (core muscles). It helps to create stability and build muscle strength, while shaping your body into better alignment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be a disabiliting problem originating from different backgrounds. The most common type of foot pain is Plantar Fasciitis, which occurs when the long, flat ligament on the sole of the foot (Plantar Fascia) stretches irregularly and develops small tears that cause the ligament to become inflamed. The pain can be on the heel, arch and sole of the foot. It is described as dull, aching or sharp, and can be easily reproduced by flexing the toes upwards to tense the fascia.
It usually develops gradually starting with pain specifically on the inside of the heel, slowly spreading towards the sole of the foot causing the individual to limp when walking. Heel pain accompanies physical activities and may also occur when taking the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time.
It is known that the biomechanics of the foot/ankle/leg can contribute to the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis. Usually it is found that the athlete “over pronates” turning the foot inwards, when running or walking which involves an excessive rolling of the inner arch of the foot, stressing the Achilles tendon.
Hip Pain
The hip joint is a very mobile joint formed by the articulation of the rounded head of the thighbone (femur) and the cup-like acetabulum of the pelvis. It forms the primary connection between the bones of the lower limb and the trunk and pelvis.
Hip pain is not just felt in the hip itself. Some people may feel pain in the groin, lower back, or legs or from the muscle of the hip joint itself. This is ‘referred pain’, which is where pain experienced in one area of the body is actually generated in another region. It is important that referred pain is diagnosed correctly. Other related signs of hip problems, that should be reviewed by a doctor include:
Hip pain that persists beyond a few days
Hip pain that occurs at night, or while resting
Not being able to stand in one place for too long
Swelling of the hip or the thigh area
Pain from the hip joint is often felt in the groin. This may feel like a tightening or throbbing in the inner thigh. Pain over the outside of the hip is usually not caused by a hip joint problem, and is more commonly related to Trochateric Bursitis or a trapped nerve in the lower region of the back, causing lower back pain as a consequence.
Stiffness and grinding in the hip are typically symptoms of hip arthritis, which is a wearing away of the normal smooth cartilage within the hip joint. This can leave bone to grind against bone. Stiffness can also be experienced by patients who have childhood conditions that cause an abnormally shaped hip joint, such as Congenital Hip Dislocations (Dysplasia), or Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.
A limited motion of the hip in normal activities can result from a damaged or deformed hip joint. For example, the degenerate bone and subsequent related pain from hip osteoarthritis often makes it painful for a person to carry out the full range of hip movements. Some people may have trouble bending their hip to put on their socks or shoes, or lifting the leg to walk upstairs.
More commonly seen in people who participate in such sports as ice hockey, football, golf and ballet are at higher risk of developing a hip labral tear (rupture of the ring-like structure that helps to hold the femur in place). Structural abnormalities of the hip also can lead to a hip labral tear, accompanied by cyst formation. Symptoms include hip pain or a “catching” sensation in your hip joint. Initial treatment may include pain relievers and physical therapy. Using arthroscopic techniques, surgeons can remove loose fragments from within the joint and trim or repair the hip labral tear.
Foot Pain
Knee pain can be caused by trauma, misalignment, and degeneration as well as by conditions like arthritis. The most common knee disorder is generally known as patellofemoral syndrome. The majority of minor cases of knee pain can be treated at home with rest and ice but more serious injuries do require surgical care. One form of patellofemoral syndrome involves a tissue-related problem that creates pressure and irritation in the knee (patellar compression syndrome) causing pain.
The second major class of knee disorder is Patella Tendinopathy, where the patella (knee cap) tendon becomes dysfunctional and inflamed.
Age also contributes to disorders of the knee. Particularly in older people, knee pain frequently arises due to osteoarthritis. In addition, weakening of the muscles around the knee may contribute to the problem.
Cartilage lesions can be caused by
- Accidents (fractures)
- Muscle injuries
- The removal of a meniscus
- Anterior cruciate ligament injury
- Posterior cruciate ligament injury
- Posterolateral corner injury
- Medial knee injuries
- Considerable strain on the knee.
Any kind of work during which the knees undergo heavy stress may also be detrimental to cartilage. This is especially the case in professions in which people frequently have to walk, lift, or squat. Other causes of pain may be excessive on, and wear of, the knees, in combination with such things as muscle weakness and overweight.
Common complaints are a painful, blocked, locked or swollen knee. Sufferers sometimes feel as if their knees are about to give way, or may feel uncertain about their movement.
Knee Pain
The knee joint joins the thigh with the lower leg and consists of two articulations: one between the femur and tibia, and one between the femur and patella. It is the largest joint in the human body and is very complicated. The knee is a pivotal hinge joint, which permits flexion and extension as well as a slight rotation. Since in humans the knee supports nearly the whole weight of the body, it is vulnerable to both acute injury (ligament sprain, muscle strain, meniscus tear) and the development of diseases.
Knee pain can be caused by trauma, misalignment, and degeneration as well as by conditions like arthritis. The most common knee disorder is generally known as patellofemoral syndrome. The majority of minor cases of knee pain can be treated at home with rest and ice but more serious injuries do require surgical care. One form of patellofemoral syndrome involves a tissue-related problem that creates pressure and irritation in the knee (patellar compression syndrome) causing pain.
The second major class of knee disorder is Patella Tendinopathy, where the patella (knee cap) tendon becomes dysfunctional and inflamed.
Age also contributes to disorders of the knee. Particularly in older people, knee pain frequently arises due to osteoarthritis. In addition, weakening of the muscles around the knee may contribute to the problem.
Cartilage lesions can be caused by:
Accidents (fractures)
Muscle injuries
The removal of a meniscus
Anterior cruciate ligament injury
Posterior cruciate ligament injury
Posterolateral corner injury
Medial knee injuries
Considerable strain on the knee.
Any kind of work during which the knees undergo heavy stress may also be detrimental to cartilage. This is especially the case in professions in which people frequently have to walk, lift, or squat. Other causes of pain may be excessive on, and wear of, the knees, in combination with such things as muscle weakness and overweight.
Common complaints are a painful, blocked, locked or swollen knee. Sufferers sometimes feel as if their knees are about to give way, or may feel uncertain about their movement.
Sciatic Pain
Sciatic Pain, also know as Sciatica, is a set of symptoms including pain that may be caused by general compression or irritation of one of five spinal nerve roots that give rise to each sciatic nerve, or by compression or irritation of the left or right or both sciatic nerves. The pain is felt in the lower back, buttock, or various parts of the leg and foot. In addition to pain, which is sometimes severe, there may be numbness, muscular weakness, pins and needles or tingling and difficulty in moving or controlling the leg. Typically, the symptoms are only felt on one side of the body. Pain can be severe in prolonged exposure to cold weather.
Although sciatica is a relatively common form of lower back pain and leg pain, the true meaning of the term is often misunderstood. Sciatica is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis for what is irritating the root of the nerve, causing the pain. This point is important, because treatment for sciatica or sciatic symptoms often differs, depending upon the underlying cause of the symptoms and pain levels. It can be caused by a compression of the sciatic nerve roots caused by a herniated (torn) or protruding disc in the lower back.
Calcific Tendinitis
Calcific tendonitis is a condition that causes the formation of a small sized calcium deposit within any tendon in the body. The most common place are the tendons of the rotator cuff. These deposits are usually found in individuals at least 30-40 years old. The calcium deposits are not always painful, and even when painful they will often spontaneously resolve after a period of one to four weeks. It is linked to many other conditions, such as Adhesive Capsulitis and Subacromial Impingement.
What causes it?
The cause of calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendon (calcific tendonitis) is not entirely understood. Different ideas have been suggested, including blood supply and ageing of the tendon, but the evidence to support these conclusions is not clear. One of the most compelling arguments is delayed healing.
Usually the tendon heals through the action of collagen forming cells (fibroblasts). After a period of weeks or months, the fibroblasts become less numerous in the region and are replaced by osteoblasts (bone forming cells). The osteoblasts, in turn stimulate the growth of bone (calcium) in the tendon. Hence the main reason for the development of calcific tendonitis appears to be delayed healing.
Calcific Tendinitis typical course
Pre-calcification Stage: individuals usually do not have any symptoms in this stage. At this point in time, the site where the calcifications tend to develop undergo cellular changes that predispose the tissues to developing calcium deposits.
Calcific Stage: during this stage, the calcium is excreted from cells and then coalesces into calcium deposits. When seen, the calcium looks chalky, it is not a solid piece of bone. Once the calcification has formed, a so-called resting phase begins, this is not a painful period and may last a varied length of time. After the resting phase, a resorptive phase begins–this is the most painful phase of calcific tendonitis. During this resorptive phase, the calcium deposit looks something like toothpaste.
Postcalcific Stage: this is usually a painless stage as the calcium deposit disappears and is replaced by more normal appearing rotator cuff tendon.
Symptoms
As Calcific Tendinitis is directly linked to Frozen Shoulder and Adhesive Capsulitis, symptoms can be the same as those conditions:
- pain on movement
- stiffness and lack of movement
- painful swelling around the joint
- can present bulging tendons due to crystal deposits
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, located at the bottom of your foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch of the foot.
Individuals usually experience stabbing pain that usually occurs in the first steps in the morning. The pain eases off once the foot limbers up, but it may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position.
Plantar fasciitis is particularly common in runners. In addition, people who are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate support are at risk of plantar fasciitis.
What causes it?
If tension on plantar fascia (bowstring) becomes too great, it can create small tears in the fascia. Repetitive stretching and tearing can cause the fascia to become irritated or inflamed. The most common risk factors that cause Plantar Fasciitis are:
Age: plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60.
Certain types of exercise: activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long-distance running, ballet dancing and dance aerobics — can contribute to an earlier onset of plantar fasciitis.
Faulty foot mechanics: being flat-footed, having a high arch or even having an abnormal pattern of walking can adversely affect the way weight is distributed when you’re standing and put added stress on the plantar fascia.
Obesity: excess pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia. In additon there are theories that obesity causes inflammation.
Occupations that keep you on your feet: factory workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can irritate their plantar fascia.
Symptoms
stabbing pain on heel and/or sole of the foot
pain that is worse in the mornings and eases off with movement
pain when standing after periods of inactivity