In the past, sports injuries have been examined and treated as separate problems and considered in isolation from the rest of the body. Treatments has typically focussed on the area of injury. Osteopaths consider all the factors which may have led up to and contributed to the injury; these are often just as important as the injury itself and may slow or even prevent total and speedy recovery.
An osteopath will examine the posture and condition of those parts which make the human body an integrated whole. Injuries in one part of the body can be caused by problems in another part of the body. The osteopath will consider all the various interrelationships between muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints before determining an appropriate treatment programme.
Mobility of the body is of the utmost importance to the sportsperson. Poor posture, flexibility or range of movement will prevent the body from performing at its best and can be contributing factors in continuing or recurring injury.
As osteopath is able to analyse posture and movement that may lead to injury and can often suggest modifications in technique to reduce further risk of injury. The osteopath may also suggest exercises to help develop and maintain flexibility and strength.