The risk of injury is unprecedented and we are exposed to it in one way or the other, more so in sports and fitness-related activities.
An injury can pretty much make your life do a 360-degree flip (pun not intended) and the recovery can be ever so frustrating, but even so, it is nothing compared to the rewards of staying fit and playing sports.
Usually in the event of an injury, ample rest is usually sufficient in helping you with the recovery process, but in certain cases it’s always advised to seek out professional help to help restore your mobility.
Sport360 caught up with Jonathan Robinson, head of Physiotherapy at Nightingale Dubai, to understand the importance of physiotherapy and how to avoid injuries in the future.
“Physiotherapy is a hugely beneficial specialist treatment and prevention of injury, disease and disorders. Through physical methods, it helps them to restore function and movement in the area that has been affected. Physiotherapy also helps with preventing further damage or injury on the previously affected body part. People of any age can receive Physiotherapy treatment and be thoroughly supported to maintain and manage good health, plus prevent injuries and diseases,” said Robinson.
“In reality, at any time of your life, Physiotherapy can benefit your health and life. Physiotherapy is a degree-based profession and whatever the treatment you may receive, you will always be in the hands of a well-trained, experienced professional,” he added.
According to Robinson, some of the most common injuries that people come to the clinic with are patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee), shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, hamstring strains and sciatica.
Robinson highlights five key tips that allow athletes to stay injury-free, which included developing a proper training plan, knowing your body and its limitations, replacing old equipment or gear, planning ahead, and taking time to rest and recover.
“It’s not uncommon for athletes to jump from one sport to another, to keep a competitive edge year-round. Athletes should take time off between sports seasons to allow their bodies to recover. For a multisport athlete, consider taking 10 days off between seasons. For a single-sport athlete, four to six weeks of rest is recommended,” he said.
“Proper nutrition and sleep helps athletes fuel athletic performance and recover from training. Plan and prepare portable snacks or meals whilst also giving enough time for a good night’s sleep.”
Robinson’s association with Nightingale Dubai started almost three years ago after he realized that the vision of the facility aligned greatly with his own.
Nightingale Dubai runs on the philosophy of bringing UK-standard healthcare to the community of Dubai and also gives patients the options of getting treatment at home and also provides post-natal treatment, aiming to get new mothers back to exercise and training quickly and safely.
The clinic is located in Gold and Diamond Park, Building 7. You can book an appointment with Jonathan Robinson at the clinic or at home by calling 800UAE.
