Sport Injury Management

STI Management Many of the strains & sprains that occur are preventable through the use of proper techniques & by; Ensuring adequate conditioning & proper care & rehabilitation of all injuries before allowing any resumption of training/ playing Maintenance of flexibility & leg muscle strength Incorporating speed, agility & balance drills amongst other training procedures

STI Management First 48 hours are vital – it will reduce the time spent on the sideline. Immediate management – RICER for all ligament sprains, muscle strains & muscle bruises

STI Management STOP TALK OBSERVE PREVENT FURTHER INJURY TALK to the injured athlete e.g. What happened? How do you feel? Where does it hurt? Does it hurt anywhere else? STOP STOP the injured athlete from participating or moving STOP the game if necessary OBSERVE OBSERVE whilst talking to the athlete Is the athlete distressed? Is the athlete lying in unusual position/ posture? Is there any swelling? Is there any deformity? Is there any tenderness when touched? Does it hurt to move the injured part? PREVENT FURTHER INJURY Severe Injury Less Injury Minor Injury

Remember you should avoid the HARM factors… STI Management Remember you should avoid the HARM factors… H Heat Such as sauna, spa, hot water bottles, hot shower bath, hot liniment rubs – increase bleeding A Alcohol Increase swelling R Running Or exercise too soon can make the injury worse M Massage Or the use of heat rubs in the first 48 – 72 hrs can increase swelling and bleeding

STI Management Overuse injuries Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or muscle soreness caused by excessive and/or repetitive use, are also preventable. These overuse injuries may also involve the growth centre of the bones of young players. Coaches should ensure to monitor the frequency of training & competition, activities on hard surface should be interspersed with other activities.

Return to Sport/ Activity STI Management Return to Sport/ Activity Too early after an injury are more susceptible to further injuries. Before returning to training or competitive should ask simple questions : Is the injured area pain free? Can you move the injured part easily through a full range of movement? 3. Has the injured area fully regained its strength?

Q n A

STI Management Rest How Why Place the athlete in a comfortable position, preferably lying down. The injured part should be immobilized and supported. Further activity will increase bleeding and damage

STI Management Ice How Why The conventional methods are : crushed ice in a wet towel/ plastic bag immersion in icy water cold water from the tap Apply for 20 min every 2 hrs for the first 48 hrs Caution : sensitive skin, tolerance to ice, open wound Ice decreases : swelling pain muscle spasm secondary damage to the injured area

STI Management Compression How Why Apply a firm wide compression bandage over a large area covering the injured part, as well as above and below the injury. Compression : reduces bleeding and swelling provides support for the injured part

STI Management Elevation How Why Raise injured area above the level of the heart at all possible times. Elevation reduces : bleeding Swelling pain

STI Management Referral How Why Refer to a suitably qualified professionals such as doctor or physiotherapist for s definitive diagnosis and ongoing care. Early referral for a definitive diagnosis to as certain the expert advice on the rehabilitation program required.

STI Management Don’t Panic… Stay Cool…

STI Management Provide a few words of encouragement

of the both questions is STI Management If the answer to any of the both questions is Yes, seek a Sport Medicine qualified, Sport First Aider, Sport Trainer.

STI Management Severe Injury Suspected Head, Facial, Spinal, Chest, Abdominal injuries, Fracture or Major Bleeding GET HELP Get Professional help… Don’t move the athlete, Keep onlooker away, Comfort the athlete until professional help arrives, Immobilize and support

STI Management Less Injury Soft Tissues Injuries such as sprains, strains and Muscle bruises RICER REGIMER First 48 hours are vital in the effectiveness management of STI Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral

STI Management Minor Injury Bumps and bruises which do not impair performance PLAY ON A few words of encouragement will help Monitor any such injuries Minor injuries should also be managed using the RICER regime

References Jurulatih. Bil.1 Nov/Dis 1999