With May almost upon us, the end of the football season is in sight, with many important matches to be played.
In the professional game, this is when most championships, cups finals and matters of promotion and relegation are settled, and the same will be true right down the pyramid to the players who just turn out in local amateur competitions.
However, whether it is the FA Cup Final or local district league games in Berkshire, the last thing any player wants to do now is be injured when there are crucial matches to be played. That’s why its so important to avoid injuries caused by tiredness and the wear-and-tear of months of activity.
A sports therapist in Maidenhead can certainly help you deal with injuries by preventing them from getting worse with the right treatment and exercise routine, as well as helping you recover so you can get back on the pitch at this crucial time.
Common injuries include hamstring and groin strains, muscle injuries that are caused by running and turning a lot. If you want to avoid hamstring injuries, stretching exercises and leg curls are vital to prevent the muscles in the back of your thigh from getting too tight. Similarly, stretching the abductor muscle strengthens your inner thigh to protect your groin.
When a muscle injury does occur, it can be classed as a grade 1, 2or 3 strain and seeing a physiotherapist is a good way of assessing how bad it is and what treatment is needed. While rest, the use of ice, compression and elevation are all important, it is also crucial to assess how bad the issue is. Otherwise, you might end up trying to come back too soon and making the injury far worse.
Managing injuries and fatigue is a part of every footballer’s life, from the parks to the Premier League. But with the right treatment and care, the part of the season Sir Alex Ferguson called “squeaky bum time” won’t be “sitting on the sidelines feeling sorry for yourself” time.