Rugby is a fast moving and high intensity sport, and rugby injuries are very common. Here at The Physiotherapy Partners we have treated a number of rugby players in the past. With the Rugby World Cup approaching, we will discuss a common rugby injury and how physiotherapy is essential for recovery.
A common rugby injury which is treated with the help of physiotherapy is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. The injury can also occur during pregnancy. Sacroiliac joints are a critical linkage system between your lower spine and pelvis. They are naturally fairly stiff, however due to trauma or extra mobility, which usually occurs whilst playing rugby, the joints can undergo too much uncontrolled motion. If your sacroiliac joints are not moving properly due to either stiffness or excessive movement and you are experiencing pain in this area, it is referred to as Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction.
Due to sacroiliac joint pain usually causing back conditions and discomfort, it is important for you to get diagnosed by an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist, such as our team at The Physiotherapy Partners. The diagnosis will involve an in-depth examination of the spine and back. Once you have been diagnosed there is a number of phases of treatment you will have to go through to recover. The first phase includes pain relief and joint protection. During this phase, ice therapy and exercises will be done to reduce the sacroiliac joint inflammation. Other methods such as acupuncture may be offered to reduce pain. The second phase will be involve restoring your normal pelvic alignment and sacroiliac joint range. Your Physiotherapy Partners physiotherapist will start you on a lower abdominal and hip core stability program. This will help ease your muscles and stabilise your sacroiliac joints. Your physiotherapist will also prescribe exercises specific for your needs to aid strength in the area.
During the next stage, your physiotherapist will aim to restore full function to the area. Everyone has different needs depends from their sacroiliac joints, therefore treatment will be specialised to meet these goals. Hopefully, with a tailored sacroiliac joint rehabilitation you will safely be allowed to return to rugby or your chosen sport. Once returning to your normal everyday life, it is important to follow the exercises given to you by your physiotherapist to prevent Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction recurring.
If you feel you may be suffering from Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, please contact The Physiotherapy Partners and book an appointment at one of our three clinics, in Kidderminster, Halesowen or Birmingham.
