Athletes who participate in endurance sports are subject to injuries different from those suffered by other athletes. Most of these endurance sports injuries are the direct result of pushing the body to its limits over a long period. For example, shin pain and various forms of tendinopathies are common among long-distance runners and triathletes, while rotator cuff injuries are common with rowers.
When an athlete participates in an endurance sport, the continual, intense strain on the body almost inevitably leads to injury. To reduce such injuries, endurance athletes should undergo extensive training to ensure they’re using their bodies correctly and to build the necessary strength and endurance to stand up to the intensity of long-term physical exertion. Warming up is important to prepare the body as it lowers the risk of strains and sprains.
In general, the best way to treat endurance injuries is prevention. Injuries of this kind are most often caused when the athlete pushes himself too far or too hard after insufficient training or warm-up. Even when pushing endurance to its limits with this kind of extreme sport, it’s important to treat the body properly.
When endurance injuries do occur, correct treatment is also vital to ensure proper healing of the injured muscles, tendons or ligaments. Physiotherapy is an important element of recovery. A skilled physiotherapist can help restore an injured athlete to full performance levels.
Physiotherapy for endurance sports injuries can take a variety of approaches, including stretching regimens, strength retraining, passive joint mobilisation, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, acupuncture, preventative strapping, ultrasound, ice and heat application, and many other techniques to help reduce symptoms. We will also give you advice on appropriate ways to avoid re-injury by designing you a specific exercise programme and advising you on the correct technique.
Our skilled and experienced physiotherapists can help you recover from endurance sports injuries so you can continue in your chosen sport, free from pain. If you’ve sustained an injury and need help getting back to performance condition, call us now to make an appointment.