Soccer Injuries and Its Physiotherapy

Soccer is one of the world’s most popular sports played worldwide. Soccer is a very fast pace team sport occurred on a field with a ball and a goal at each end.  Ankle overuse injury, sprain and strain and player collisions are common and can cause wide range of injuries including bruises and Concussion. 50% of male youth competitive soccer teams will have players that sustain a significant injury for season. The rate of soccer injures is usually higher during competition than trainings.Soccer injuries often require specialized physiotherapy interventions to facilitate recovery, ensuring players can return to the pitch with optimal physical condition and performance.

Causes

• Soccer injuries can be a cause of improper balance and coordination, improper technique, weak muscles and strength in the lower extremity, improper Landing technique and history of previous injuries.
• Ankle instability leading to balance problems increases your risk of injury.
• Injuries can occur while Sudden Change in Direction while playing.
• Any previous centuries such as shoulder dislocation, ankle sprain or knee pain can increase the risk of reoccurrence of another injury.
• The risk of injury increases with age

Males are more likely to have hamstring and groin muscle strain and females are more likely to have knee injuries. Female more than 15 years of age are twice as likely to sustain an injury as compared to a young soccer player.

Physiotherapy and its benefits in soccer injuries:

Regular participation in exercise program compromising of balance and coordination exercises can help to improve stability around your joints. It is very important to know how to train and strengthen the right muscle group to prevent injuries. Sports Physiotherapist at curezone physiotherapy, Mississauga has done Masters in Physiotherapy in Orthopedic specialization.  Our therapist are always there to help you and provide you proper guidance and techniques to prevent injuries. Some sore muscles pain is expected to increase with the level of your exercises however; it is important to listen to your body and try not to push beyond its limit. It is always advisable the rest when required.

Strength training and proper Warm up is very important in the exercise program which helps in reducing the risk of injury up to 70%. The program usually consists of 15 minutes running, balance exercises, strength and jump training exercises.

Physiotherapist may also use modalities such as Laser, Shockwave therapy, Ultrasound along with Hands on Therapy, ART, Myofascial Release and K taping for faster healing and recovery.  Custom made Orthotics are also recommended, if needed.

Common Soccer Injuries

• Achilles tendonitis is a chronic injury that occurs as a result of repetitive overuse and is felt as pain in the back of the ankle.
• Achilles tendon rupture involves the partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon, often with an audible “pop.”

• IT band syndrome the IT band, connective tissues along the outside of the thigh.
• Stress fractures are often the result of overuse or repeated impacts on a bone.
• Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain, caused by inflammation of the band of Plantar fascia tissue that runs from the heel to the toes.
• Ankle sprain is extremely common injury which can cause injury to the ligaments on the lateral side of the ankle. The first treatment to be done in this case is ice, rest, a brace or taping, and physiotherapy exercises which help an athlete return to play. 
• Jones fracture it’s also a common injury in soccer players
• Adductor strain also happens with a quick change in Direction. A strain involves a stretch or possible a small partial tear. This muscle is present in the inner side of the thigh and Patient usually complains of the groin pain.  Rest, activity modification and physiotherapy can help in decreasing the pain and speed the return to activity.
• Hamstring sprain are injuries to the muscle or tendon. The pain is always felt in the back of the thigh. Hamstring injury often happens as a result from sprinting. 

Ensure Appropriate Equipment

• Wear shin guards to help protect your lower legs. Soccer tournament records show that lower leg injuries are most often caused by inadequate shin guards.
• Wear shoes with molded cleats or ribbed soles. Shoes with screw-in cleats often are associated with a higher risk of injury. However, shoes with screw-in cleats should be worn when more traction is needed, such as on a wet field with high grass.
• Use synthetic, nonabsorbent balls on wet playing fields. Leather balls can become water-logged and very heavy when wet, putting players at high risk for injury.

Curezone physiotherapy clinic, Mississauga is a team Registered physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Massage therapist and Osteopath and they ensure to get you return to play as soon as possible. We are located in the heartland location, Mississauga.

Call us now and get a proper assessment done by our registered physiotherapist and get back to your activities as soon as possible.