Common Cricket Injuries and How Physio Can Help

In this blog we take a look at some of the most common injuries sustained on the cricket pitch and how physio may be beneficial during rehabilitation.

Common Cricket Injuries

Cricket is a popular past time for many Australians and a much-loved summer activity for both the young and old, but just like any physical activity there is a risk of injury.

Depending on your position on the field, you may be more susceptible than your team mates to some of the following injuries.

1. Ankle sprains:

Ankle sprains occur when the ankle ligaments are stretched too far or torn. They can happen by simply walking on uneven ground or during sports where players are running or jumping and landing at awkward ankles.

Initial treatment for an ankle sprain includes rest, ice, compression and elevation, but if the sprain is serious, a tailored physio plan will be required to increase ankle strength and prevent reinjury.

2. Thrower’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)

Medial Epicondylitis, also known as thrower’s elbow or golfer’s elbow, is frequently experienced by bowlers. It is a repetitive use injury which can be the result of bowling a cricket ball.

If you have experienced this condition or have pain or weakness in the wrist or elbow, you may benefit from seeing a qualified health professional such as a qualified physiotherapy for tailored advice.

3. Abdominal side strain

An abdominal side strain is when a side abdominal muscle (oblique) is torn or strained.

Bowlers tend to be the most at risk of this injury, which typically occurs on the side opposite to the bowling arm.

4. Contusions from cricket ball:

A cricket ball is small yet solid, and if you’re hit by a one that’s hurtling towards you at more than 150km/hour, it’s going to hurt and form a bruise.

Depending on the severity of the contusion, professional medical intervention may be needed.

5. Rotator cuff injuries:

The rotator cuff and the four muscles that are part of this shoulder region are integral to many actions cricket players perform, including bowling, batting and fielding. These muscles stabilise the shoulder joint but can be strained or torn when on the field.

People who sustain a rotator cuff injury often need to seek treatment from a physiotherapist.

Enlist a Trusted Physio to Help Treat your Cricket Injury

When you see an experienced physiotherapist, like Ron Prasad, for the management of your cricket injury, they will first carry out an assessment so they can make an informed and correct diagnosis.

Identifying factors such as technique, training errors, biomechanical issues and more plays an integral part to fixing the athlete’s current issue, plus a sports physiotherapist can also provide advice and guidance to help prevent future injuries.

If you need to seek professional treatment from a physio during your recovery, their treatment modalities may include:

• Advice & Education,
• Manual Therapy (Hands-on Treatments),
• Dry Needling,
• Technique Enhancement, and
• Exercise Rehabilitation.

Do you need to visit a trusted physio in Brisbane to help with your cricket injury recovery?

You can make an appointment with Ron by calling (07) 3352 4111 or clicking here.