Module 1: Introduction to sports injuries

Sports Injuries

1. Introduction
   1. Classifications
   2. Stage of healing
   3. Injuries and tissue types
   4. Acute injury
   5. Sub-Acute
   6. Chronic injury
   7. Impact injury
2. Injury activity
3. Soft-tissue injuries
   1. Haematoma
   2. Concussion
   3. Strains
   4. Sprains
   5. Bone-cartilage damage
4. Hard tissue injuries
   1. Dislocation
   2. Fractures
5. Overuse injuries
   1. Stress fractures
   2. Shin splints
   3. Tendonitis
6. Naming injuries activity
7. Signs and symptoms of injuries activity

Overuse injuries

Overuse injuries are probably the most common sports injuries resulting from repetitive physical stress. The people most prone to these types of injuries are those that train at high intensities for long periods of time.

Overuse injuries can sometimes occur from one or two over-exertive training sessions when an individual has not prepared appropriately for the session and does not have the necessary level of fitness. The structures of the body may not be ready to be able to perform or work at the desired rate. This often occurs with individuals who are beginning a new exercise regime or returning after a period of inactivity.

Endurance athletes', such as those involved in distance running or cycling, are particularly vulnerable to overuse injuries because of the nature of their sporting demands and arduous training regime and repetitive motions over a long period of time.

Any competitive athlete or exerciser is prone to overuse problems because in the effort to improve fitness and performance, there are almost unavoidable physical stresses placed upon the main functioning parts of the body. For example, the front-crawl swimmer is prone to shoulder problems (swimmer's shoulder) and the high-jumper to patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee).

Most overuse injuries begin as a minor inflammatory reaction to the affected tissues. It is also at this stage that many sports therapists will check the individual for other injury causes, including postural, biomechanical, and body composition.

The signs and symptoms of overuse injuries tend to come on gradually, initially beginning as a slight discomfort, and perhaps, at first, aching a little after activities and easing off following warm-up. If symptoms are ignored they will more often than not exacerbate. Soon, the problem that began as a minor discomfort becomes extremely uncomfortable and can affect sports and activities of daily living.