Management of recurrent soccer injuries

The aim of the study was to review the current management of soccer injuries and how injury recurrence is prevented among Premier Soccer League (PSL) players.Descriptive survey was used.The population of the study was the medical team members in the PSL teams.The medical team comprised of any combination of the following members: the team doctor, physiotherapist,masseur, biokineticists, physical trainer,chiropractors and podiatrist.Purposive sampling method was used.Main findings of the study reflected that the ankle was the most commonly affected body part while the quadriceps and tendon achillies were both less commonly affected. The groin was found to incur most recurring injuries.Injured players are adequately managed by the medical team.Attainment of pain free and full range of movement is the consideration for return to sport however less consideration was given to the persistent biomechanical abnormality.Factors such as players missing out on rich rewards, regaining position in the team seem andrecognitionto have a great influence too.Soccer administrators to advocate the avoidance of factors contributing to recurrent injuries.

Autorentext

Violet M Rapoo MSc Physiotherapy(Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation) at University of Limpopo (MEDUNSA CAMPUS),Chief Physiotherapist in Orthopaedics at Dr George Mukhari Hospital, Pretoria, RSA Nomathemba P Taukobong, MPhyst (Community Health)at University of Pretoria, Head of Department at the Medunsa Campus, Univrsity of Limpopo.