Injuries in AFL
Over the last few years we have seen a large increase in sporting injuries in our local sporting clubs due to lockdown inactivity and decreased pre-season/in season activity. We also know that with increased knowledge around injuries, understanding how to manage them and what to do post injury. We can ensure easier and safer returns to sport, with less worry and distress to our children.
Common Injuries in AFL
- Strains (hamstring, quad, calf, adductor)
- Knee injuries – ACL tears (contact and non-contact)
- Shoulder sprains / dislocations
- Concussion
Mechanisms & Risk Factors
- ACL injury risk factors include speed and change of direction, knee instability, angle of landing, and studded boots increasing friction with the ground.
- Hamstring strains can occur during high speed running and picking the ball up from the ground. Ankle sprains can occur during marking contests, where a player may land on another player’s foot or uneven ground.
- Lack of lower body strength and stability can increase the risk of injury.
- Fatigue & inadequate sleep increases injury risk – more likely to get injured towards the end of a game or training. A sudden increase in training load after a period of prolonged inactivity.
What can assist in preventing or assisting with an injury?
- Working on acceleration and deceleration biomechanics as well as developing strength and balance.
- Ensuring recovery is sufficient including getting enough sleep (9-11 hours per night for 6-12 year olds and 8-10 hours per night for 13-18 year olds), eating and hydrating appropriately around training and having at least 1 rest day per week.
- Participate in a conditioning & fitness program during pre / in-season that also focuses on injury prevention.
- Get the free Headcheck App which helps identify concussion signs and manage recovery.
- Sports training & gym in adolescents should be <16hrs/week (this includes school sport).
- Monitoring player load including overtraining, stress and rest/wellbeing.
How can we help at Maroondah Osteopathy & Sportscare?
- We have a dedicated team of Osteopaths who can assist with your injuries by diagnosing, providing hands on manual therapy to assist with mobility and pain reduction and creating a management plan to return to sport.
- Our Exercises Physiologists can design specific rehabilitation and prehab exercise plans to assist you or your child return to play or with injury prevention.
- Our Remedial massage therapists are able to assist alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing.
- We also have a Dietitian who understands how food and nutrition influence the body and can provide personal support to encourage optimal health and wellbeing.
