September is the start of football season. While many of us will be sitting down to watch the game, others will be getting together with friends to play 5-a-side footie. Unfortunately, just like professional football, playing recreationally can also lead to injuries. Read on to learn about 5 common football injuries and how physiotherapy in Twickenham can support your journey to recovery.
Please bear in mind that although the information and tips in this article are helpful when recovering from football injuries, for specific advice and guidance, please contact a physiotherapist for a professional assessment.
Groin injury
A ‘pulled groin’ or groin strain is a common football injury that occurs when the muscles on the inside of your thigh are strained. This can happen when kicking a ball, running, side-stepping or changing direction.
Groin strain causes a sudden sharp pain in the groin area or inner thigh, which can leave you on the sidelines for 3–6 weeks. To ensure a speedy recovery and to reduce the risk of re-injury, physiotherapy can help during the rehabilitation period. Under the guidance of our experienced physiotherapists, we’ll recommend appropriate stretches and soft tissue techniques to help you strengthen your muscles.
Please bear in mind there are many causes of pain in the groin so you may not have a groin strain.
Dislocated shoulder
Falls and collisions can result in a dislocated shoulder. This injury occurs when your arm is forced or pulled from its shoulder joint. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery can take anywhere between 2–6 months. During your physiotherapy session, we’ll work on regaining flexibility in your shoulder and strengthening the muscles to reduce the risk of it dislocating again.
Hamstring strain
A pulled hamstring is a common injury in many sports, including football. The hamstrings are muscles that run along the back of your thighs. When kicking or sprinting, they can be forcibly strained. A mild hamstring strain will require 1–2 weeks of rest before a player can return to the field. A more intense strain can affect a player for 3–6 weeks, while a severe strain where surgery is required, may leave a player out for 3–4 months although this is rare. During the rehabilitation period, physiotherapy will include soft tissue work, muscle strengthening and stretching.
Ankle sprain
A sprained ankle happens when the ankle rolls, twists or turns awkwardly. This can lead to swelling or bruising around the ankle, which can be aggravated by putting weight on your foot. You may find it painful to stand, let alone play football. During your physiotherapy programme, we’ll recommend appropriate exercises throughout your healing journey so you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
ACL tear
Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament in your knee joint that allows you to twist and turn. It can be torn or ruptured under the impact of a collision or when falling awkwardly, though it is often a non-contact injury. For non-professional players, recovery from an ACL tear usually takes 12 months. While the rehabilitation process is long and intensive, help from a physiotherapist can reduce the risk of re-injury. Our work with you will include exercises to promote flexibility, muscle stimulation and mobilisation.
Get in touch
If you’re interested in learning more about how physiotherapy can benefit you when recovering from football injuries, please feel free to give us a call on 020 8898 1231. We are here to answer any of your questions and provide additional information.