It is common for injuries to occur in the game of cricket. As a cricket player, avoiding injuries is something every player would like to possibly do. Here are the most common injuries sustained by these players, along with the symptoms and physiotherapy treatments for each injury.
Knee Injuries
The player most prone to knee injuries is a runner. In a single cricket season, as many as 60% of the runners will suffer a knee injury. One common injury that happens to runners is a torn meniscus, ACL or Collateral Ligaments. The symptoms are pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness. Players need RICE, physiotherapy treatment, a graduated strengthening exercise programme and sometimes the use of supportive knee braces.
Shoulder Injuries
Batters and bowlers are prone to shoulder injuries, which include dislocated shoulder, frozen shoulder and rotator cuff strains. The symptoms of such injuries include pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness. To work through these symptoms, players will need RICE, physiotherapy treatment and a rehabilitation exercise programme.
Lower Back Injuries
The most common player to receive lower back pain is a bowler. Younger, faster bowlers whose intervertebral spinal joints are more lax than their older counterparts are particularly prone to sustaining back injuries. Back injuries could be anything from a herniated disc, intervertebral facet joint sprain of the spine or a strain to the back muscles. The symptoms of such injuries include pain, stiffness and weakness. Treatment involves physiotherapy, hot and cold therapy, an exercise programme to increase the strength of the core muscles and perhaps the use of supportive belts.
Every part of the body, in fact, is prone to injury for cricket players. The best way to avoid an injury is by warming up properly before any game, taking adequate rests to prevent overuse, using correct cricket techniques and playing in suitable conditions.
To avoid any injury on the field, make sure you wear the proper gear, such as a mouth guard, proper headgear, appropriate shoes and protective pads. Keeping the field free from stones or water is important.
Remember, if you are a cricket player in need of rehabilitation, muscle strengthening, or have sustained an injury, come in and visit us to discuss how we can help you.