B.3.2 - Interventions related to injury

Force absorption

• bodies ability to safely dissipate external forces to prevent injury

• reduces abnormal loading on bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons

• enhanced by using the correct technique, muscle strength, balance, equipment and protective gear

Prehabilitation

• proactive training to prevent injuries before they occur

• improves neuromuscular control, joint stability, flexibility and range of motion

Warm-up

• boosts tissue elasticity, coordination, and readiness

• ex: FIFA the 11 warm up program cut ACL injuries by 50%

Protective equipment

• helmets absorb impact to protect skull and brain

• mouthguards reduce dental trauma and concussion risk

• padding cushions direct blows

• braces stabilize joints during high-load movements

• athletic tape supports muscles and joints during activity

Developmentally appropriate rules

• modify rules for age, skill, and physical maturity

• protects athletes from excessive loads or dangerous contact

• allows for gradual exposure to higher-risk elements

initial treatment protocols

• reduces excessive inflammation but supports healing

• order of PRICE protocol - proctection (no further injury), rest, ice (15 min every hour), compression, elevation

• could also have ICE and RICE protocols

inflammation

• inflammation is bodies first response to injury

• increases blood flow, immune cell activity, swelling, and pain

• protects the area, starts healing and signals rest

• must allow healing but control pain and swelling

customizing sporting equipment

• fit gear to body size, strength, and limb proportions

• adjust for height/weight/limb length/grip size/skill level/age

• prevents technique errors and overload injuries

flexibility and technique training

• improves range of motion and efficiency of movement

• reduces compensatory stress on tissues

• correct technique ensures force is distributed safely across joints

surgical repair of serious injury

• used when structures are fully torn or fractured

• always followed by structured rehab plans

cognitive recovery

• must recover mentally before full sport return

• shorter study periods, breaks to manage fatigue, gradual workload increase

• teachers monitor for signs of overload

rehabilitation

• goal to restore range, strength, neuromuscular control, and sport readiness

• methods are in ROM stretching, progressive strength loading and sport-specific skill drills

• modalities are manual therapy, electrotherapy, and heat therapy

Staged return to play from concussion

• symptom limited daily activity

• light aerobic

• sport specific non-contact drills

• non-contact training with resistance

• full contact practice

• return to competition

• if symptoms return then drop back to previous stages