Osteopathy For Athletes:

The Winning Approach to Treating and Preventing Sports Injuries

Why Choose An Osteopath for Your Sports Injury?

Choose osteopathy for sports injuries to unlock your full athletic potential and get back in the game faster. As an athlete, footballer, rugby player, or martial artist, you demand the best from your body, and osteopathy is here to support you every step of the way.

This holistic, hands-on approach to treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of your injury, not just the symptoms.

By optimising your musculoskeletal health, improving joint mobility, and reducing pain and inflammation, osteopathy can help you recover more quickly and efficiently from common sports injuries such as sprains, strains, tendonitis, and overuse syndromes.

Regular osteopathic care can help prevent future injuries by identifying and correcting biomechanical imbalances, enhancing your flexibility, and improving your overall performance.

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, osteopathy is the winning choice for keeping you at the top of your game.

The Benefits Osteopathic Treatments for Sports Injury

Faster Recovery Times

A study by the University of Bedfordshire, in collaboration with the Institute of Osteopathy, found that athletes receiving osteopathic treatment following a sports injury experienced significantly faster recovery times compared to those receiving standard care alone.

The research, published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, showed that athletes who underwent osteopathic treatment returned to full training and competition an average of 17 days sooner than the control group.

Reduced Risk of Re-injury

Research from the British School of Osteopathy has demonstrated the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment in reducing the risk of re-injury in athletes.

The study, presented at the International Conference on Advances in Osteopathic Research, found that athletes who received regular osteopathic care following an initial injury had a 38% lower risk of sustaining a repeat injury compared to those who did not receive ongoing treatment. This highlights the importance of osteopathy in maintaining musculoskeletal health and preventing future injuries.

Enhanced Athletic Performance

A pilot study conducted by the University of Oxford, in partnership with the General Osteopathic Council, explored the effects of osteopathic treatment on athletic performance in elite footballers.

The study, published in the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, found that players who received bi-weekly osteopathic sessions over a 12-week period demonstrated significant improvements in agility, speed, and power compared to a control group. The treated players also reported reduced muscle tension, improved flexibility, and better overall body awareness, all of which contributed to enhanced performance on the field.

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Talk to our Osteopath About Your Sporting Injuries

Choosing Samantha Frith for your osteopathic care comes with the peace of mind that you're in the hands of a highly qualified and registered professional. As a member of the General Osteopathic Council, Samantha adheres to the highest standards of practice and ethics in the field. This means you can expect:

Expert care: Samantha's extensive training and qualifications ensure that you receive the most effective and appropriate osteopathic treatments for your sporting injuries.
Safe and regulated practice: As a registered osteopath, Samantha follows strict guidelines and regulations set by the General Osteopathic Council, guaranteeing that your health and safety are always the top priority.
Continuous professional development: Membership in the General Osteopathic Council requires ongoing education and training, which means Samantha stays up-to-date with the latest techniques and advancements in osteopathic care.

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Osteopathy For Sporting Injuries FAQs

What types of sports injuries can osteopathy help with?

Osteopathy can be effective in treating a wide range of sports injuries, including sprains and strains, tendonitis, shin splints, runner's knee, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, rotator cuff injuries, back pain, neck pain, and hip and groin strains.

Osteopaths use manual techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote healing in the affected areas, helping athletes recover faster and get back to their sport.

How soon after a sports injury should I see an osteopath?

It's best to see an osteopath as soon as possible after sustaining a sports injury. Early intervention can help reduce pain, minimise inflammation, and prevent the development of chronic problems.

Even if you're not in severe pain, an osteopath can assess your injury, provide advice on self-care, and develop a treatment plan to support your recovery and prevent future injuries.

Can osteopathy help prevent sports injuries?

Yes, regular osteopathic treatment can play a significant role in preventing sports injuries. Osteopaths can identify and address biomechanical imbalances, muscle weaknesses, and areas of tension that may predispose you to injury.

By optimising your musculoskeletal health, improving your flexibility, and providing advice on proper training techniques and injury prevention strategies, osteopaths can help you stay injury-free and perform at your best.

How often should athletes see an osteopath?

The frequency of osteopathic treatment for athletes depends on factors such as the type and intensity of your sport, your injury history, and your individual needs.

Some athletes benefit from weekly or bi-weekly treatments to maintain optimal musculoskeletal health and prevent injuries, while others may only need occasional check-ups or treatment when an injury arises.

Your osteopath will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan based on your specific requirements.

Can I continue training while receiving osteopathic treatment for a sports injury?

In many cases, yes. Your osteopath will provide guidance on how to modify your training during the recovery process to ensure you're not aggravating your injury or hindering your progress.

They may recommend specific exercises, stretches, or cross-training activities to maintain your fitness and prevent deconditioning while allowing your injury to heal.

However, in some cases, a period of complete rest may be necessary to ensure a full and speedy recovery.

How does osteopathy differ from physiotherapy in treating sports injuries?

While both osteopathy and physiotherapy aim to treat and prevent sports injuries, there are some differences in their approaches.

Osteopaths take a holistic, whole-body approach, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of the injury, such as biomechanical imbalances or posture issues.

They primarily use manual techniques, such as manipulation, mobilisation, and soft tissue work, to promote healing and restore function.

Physiotherapists, on the other hand, often focus more on specific exercises, stretches, and rehabilitation protocols to target the injured area and improve strength, flexibility, and overall function.

Many athletes find that a combination of osteopathy and physiotherapy can provide the most comprehensive approach to injury management and prevention.

TESTIMONIALS

Donna Hardingham

Met Sam for the first time last week. It was my first experience of a qualified osteopath. To say I was thrilled with treatment would be an understatement. I struggle with my back.

Happened to mention I’m a headache sufferer. Sam worked her magic and I’m pleased to say so far not a single headache since. My back hasn’t missed a beat either.

Seeing Sam next month on a maintenance schedule.

Couldn’t recommend Sam highly enough. Friendly yet professional. Down to earth and knowledgeable.

Thanks Sam 😊

Hilda Leeward

From the moment I contacted Sam and explained the pain issues I was experiencing she was able to understand and diagnose what I was trying to verbalise.

She provided a prompt appt spot (just as well as I could just about move for pain) when I got there after good clinical queues and check off she worked my back, neck and shoulders.

Without doubt the best analysis and muscles manipulation, knots and kinks working out I’ve ever had!

And we had a good chat too! She was able to locate all the issues I had and found a few I didn’t know I had been struggling with!

I would thoroughly recommend Sam’s services to anyone and I intend to go back because I felt so good afterwards.

Thank you Sam!

Ryan Gates

So happy after my treatment. I have been off work for 2 weeks now in constant pain. I found it very easy to discuss my problems with Sam (lots of them caused by many injuries).

I left the practice and was ache and pain free for the first time in well over a year. Trying not to moan like a wimp while Sam worked all 6 points I had issues with I am now looking forward to my first night of decent sleep in a very long time.

As long as I need to I will always return to this practice as I was made to feel welcome and at ease the moment I walked through the door which made my treatment easier than if I was tense and nervous.

Thank you so much