Common Athletic InjuriesKnee ligament injuries

Large and complicated joint that is frequently injured.

Heavy hit on lateral side of knee with the foot planted can cause medial collateral ligament tears (MCL tears).

The mechanism of injury is an application of a valgus and rotational stress to the knee – injury is the result of an external force

VALGUS force means the lower part of the tibia moves away from the midline of the body

Common Athletic InjuriesKnee ligament Injuries – Collateral ligament sprains (left), ACL tear (right)

Common Athletic Injuries ACL damage is

usually caused by the joint twisting while engaged in weight bearing activities

Muscle contraction and strength development have often been cited as good ways of protecting against injury

Common Athletic InjuriesHamstring strains

A hamstring injury is usually associated with running

The hamstring is the most frequently strained hamstring group in the body – reason – hamstring muscles cross two joints (hip and knee), with the hip in extension and the knee in flexion, the hamstrings are particularly lengthened.

Massive deceleration is needed during the late stage of the forward swing stage.

However, some experts say damage is caused when the ‘Quadriceps’ fail to relax sufficiently when the hamstrings contract.

50-60% Ham/Quad strength ratio should be maintained

Common Athletic Injuries Lack of hamstring

flexibility is another factor associated with this injury

This suggestion is still controversial

Although, hamstring flexibility work is a major part of rehabilitation for this injury

Common Athletic InjuriesShoulder Dislocation

Fairly common The shoulder region

has four joints, 3 of the 4 can be dislocated or subluxed (partially dislocated)

A dislocation of the glenohumeral joint is the most frequently occurring of any joint in the body

Common Athletic Injuries Reason – the joint

is good for mobility, poor for stability.

When motions such as abduction,external rotation and extension are combined for activities such as throwing a baseball or spiking a v-ball the joint is placed in a vulnerable position

Common Athletic Injuries Shoulder separation and dislocation

Common Athletic InjuriesTennis Elbow

Repetitive stress to the extensor tendons around the elbow, particularly where tendons attach to bone called the lateral epicondyle

Mechanisms: Chronic overload of extensor muscles on lateral side of elbow, poor stroke mechanics, and repeated contractions.

Other sufferers include baseball batters, golfers, weight lifters and racquetball players.

Common Athletic InjuriesCarpal Tunnel Syndrome

The carpal tunnel is an archway located at the wrist. Through this tunnel pass tendons which flex and extend the fingers

Repetition irritates tissues and they begin to swell. The inflammation and swelling compress the median nerve causing tingling, burning and numbness of the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger.

Aggravated by movement Muscle atrophy can occur if

situation isn’t remedied.

Common Athletic InjuriesInjury Prevention

First line defense when dealing with an injury

Ways of preventing injury:

a. Strength development – develops pattern of movement that muscles will go through rapidly during games (muscle shortening and lengthening)

Common Athletic InjuriesInjury prevention

b. Flexibility – maintains ROM, allows muscles to stretch suddenly during high level sports

PNF – (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) – stretching done in pairs to dampen the stretch reflex

Common Athletic InjuriesInjury prevention

Proprioceptive training

Awareness of body’s position in space

Balance boards, trampoline work, beam work, one legged exercises (balance)

Common Athletic InjuriesInjury Prevention

Muscle imbalance Leg Asymmetry

(different leg lengths) Alignment Problems –

joints not in correct positions

Environmental conditions

Braces, Sports Bras, Protective Equipment, Taping (we will be taping later in the unit)

Inappropriate Exercises – stiff legged deadlifts, hurdler’s stretch, standing press

Common Athletic InjuriesInjury Prevention

Warm up prerequisite to

participation Enhancement of muscle-

tendon unit to stretch Elevation of body

temp. Increases blood flow and

availability of oxygen Allows antagonist muscle

to relax