Give Your Body A Sporting Chance
Sports injuries cost Australians over $2 billion every year,
according to a Monash University injury expert[1].Osteopathy Australia (formerly Australian Osteopathic
Association) is celebrating International
Osteopathy Awareness Week April 12-19 and encourages all Australians explore
how osteopaths can assist people of all ages prevent injuries that occur very
easily during exercise. Osteopathy Australia recommends using this week to begin
healthy habits at work and home
A government report prepared by the Sports Injury Prevention
Taskforce shows that each year thousands of Australians stop their team based
sports due to injury. By 2020, the figure is estimated to be 20,000[2].
Osteopaths deal regularly with patients who have been
injured while playing sport. They are highly trained in the prevention and
treatment of injuries.
Care and prevention are keys to reducing sports-related
injuries.
Studies show that 30-40% of participants experience a major
sports-related injury that will see them discontinuing sport and/or will
significantly reduce their physical activity levels2.
Some of these sporting injuries can be easily prevented. Preventing
these injuries means less time off work and more time exercising and enjoying
the benefits of general good health.
Injury is one of the main reasons people stop playing sport.
When people become inactive there is an increased prevalence of
life-threatening illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases,
creating a greater burden on the healthcare system.
Australians shouldnÛªt miss out on the health and social
benefits of exercise and sport due to preventable injuries. This is why it is
so essential for Australians to be aware how injuries occur and what can be
done to prevent them.
Osteopaths recommend performing warm up and cool down
stretches before and after exercise to avoid muscle strain. This is especially
important coming into the colder weather, as the risk of injury becomes
greater.
Osteopathic treatment positively influences elasticity and
mobility, which means people are less likely to sustain injury during
exercise.
Our lives are so much busier but as a nation weÛªre becoming
more sedentary. Osteopathy can offer a prevention plan that is quick and easy
and a good way for everyone to maintain their health.
Osteopathy is safe for all age groups and osteopaths treat
not only the specific problem but also provide lifestyle advice on diet,
exercise, stress reduction, posture and breathing. Osteopaths encourage
individuals to proactively prevent injuries and ailments, which in the long
term leads to better overall health and less time and money spent on treatment.
Osteopaths can be seen directly without a referral or in
addition to the care provided by a GP. It is acknowledged by all major health
funds as well as DVA, Workcover, Medicare and attracts a rebate with a GP
referral for chronic pain and conditions.
[1] Finch, C. (2006). A new framework for research leading
to sports injury prevention. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport,
3-9.
[2] Sports Injury Prevention Taskforce. (2013). Sports
Injury Prevention Taskforce Final Report March 2013. Melbourne.