On field Sports Injury Management.- Aarthi Physiotherapist ISA

On field Injury  Management 

On field ?? heard or never heard, its a term people aren't aware of. In On field Sports injury management,  the On field Physio has to treat the athlete or the player when the player is still playing. Its in the middle of the game/event the physio is called for  first aid. A injury can happen any where, any time for a sport's person, this also depends on the sport played. Generally, sports are classified as contact sports, mild contact,no contact sports.Sports like Ice hockey, Rugby,Soccer, Boxing and few other sports are considered the most dangerous sports depending on the occurrence of injury.

      

Being a Sports Physio, this is the most challenging part for the Physio, since the Physio has all rights to make a decision whether the player is fit to continue the game or not, also their diagnostic skill has to be so accurate since, the time given to them is very less, it can be even less than a minute because there can be a substitute when it comes to a team sport. 

But in an individual sport like the Athletics,Racket sports,Swimming ,wrestling and martial arts,golf etc., when they are injured in between the event its even more difficult for them to progress, also it depresses and demotivates them.

When injury happens, there is a lot of Pressure for the Physio from the player, the coaches, and the referees, the Physio has to handle the pressure. Since the decision of the Physio can even change the game.

 For a Player getting injured is not painful, to leave the game is painful, because to get into any sport is the most difficult task and all their hard work and dedication will be in vain if they don't perform on that day at that time, moreover, a player or athlete doesn't train for a day or week to get there, its a long term process.  So the Physio's goal is to make the player to get back to the game and make him continue to the way he played is the most important task. The Physio should give him confidence and make him go back to the game. The player no matter how strong, will be in a state of shock after an serious injury. Motivation and Quick measures to reduce the pain is mandatory.Remember, Mind and body are interrelated, the body listens  always to the player's mind in addition, the adrenalin will also aid in masking the pain. Whether injured or not injured, when the physio is around, the players becomes more confident since they believe they can give their fullest and not to worry about the injury.

Injury are common in sports, the way its handled and managed makes a difference.

 When going as a team and representing the Country , the Players, Coaches and the Physio form a strong Team.

My first On field Experience, 

 Coming up Next.........

Introduction to Sports Physiotherapy by Sports Physiotherapist, Aarthi Manickam.

"Sports Physiotherapy"  is a field of Physiotherapy which deals with the Sports population. It plays a important role  in Sports Medicine where in, the Physiotherapist is very important. The sports physiotherapy deals not only with the treatment of injuries but it also deals with Prehabilitation -prevention of injuries  , Rehabilitation - following an injury, Performance enhancement,Sports psychology. Sports Physiotherapist must be aware of all the hands on techniques since they are given very less time to diagnose and treat on field.

 Qualities of a Sports Physiotherapist are

1. Knowledgeable.
2. Presence of mind.
3. Quick in diagnosing and treating injuries
4. Assertive.
5. Physically Fit to demonstrate all the forms of exercise
6. Physically and mentally strong.
7. Optimist.

Sports Physiotherapy includes hands on Manipulative therapy, Electrotherapy, Exercise therapy, Rehabilitation and fitness, Hydrotherapy, Prehabilitation, Sports specific fitness, also the physio must be aware of the Bio mechanics involved in each sport, the Physio should be aware of the video analysis and upcoming research works to improve the performance .Since a Sports Physio often travels with the team or the individual elite player its better for the physio to get along with the player to know about him/her in the field and off the field, so that his social activities are monitored. Travelling with the team becomes more challenging interesting as the Physio has to use the place sensibly , monitoring the players's diet (basic knowledge) and also be aware of the climatic condition where the sport is been played so that the player gets acclimatize to the weather. 

Physiotherapist must always beware of the latest updates , regular conference and case discussions will help them to update themselves, Physiotherapist should not always stick on to books cause they need to change their technique and plan according to the condition of the individual rather than the books.

At this point of time, i would like to thank my mentor Sports Medicine physician Doctor Kannan Pugazhendi for he has been my inspiration in my life. His teachings, support and precious life lessons have given me lot of learning experience. Wherever I may go in my life, I will always remember that I had an excellent guide in the form of a teacher. 

"Being a Sports Physio is a Pride".


Experience on field and off field.....
More to come