Basketball

Common Injuries for Basketball Players

Most injuries were to the ankle, knee and lower back while sprains remain as the most common problem amongst the basketballers.

Ankle Sprains

Chronic ankle instability? Accidentally step on someone's foot when landing? Ankle sprains are the most common problems we see at the clinic for basketball injuries What can you do? Do not untie your shoelaces until you get a chance to ice the foot, otherwise the swelling in the foot will be accelerated and cause more pain. Ice it on and off for 10 min cycles, 2 to 3 times right after the sprain happens or when you get home. What will MyPhysio do? There are a few things we will check to assess the situation. Check the severity of the sprain and which ligament are affected, and if it requires recommend an X-ray or MRI. Check for stability of the ankle, provide recommendations for stability braces if needed, Correct any biomechanical compensations that may cause future problems, manage the pain, and provide exercises to prevent further injury. Recommendation to see a orthopedic foot specialist. Sports Enhancement Check stability with cutting/crossover dribbles, jump and landing positions. Check running mechanics and foot work for shooting and passing.

Jumpers Knee/ Patellar Tenditinis

This occurs mainly with excessive jumping or running that is exacerbated by improper loading mechanics. For adolescents teens, this usually occurs during growth spurts where the pain is directly below the knee cap . This is also know as "Osgood Shattler"or OS for short. What can you do? Similarly, ice the area to reduce inflammation. Stretch the front of the thigh by using a foam roller or doing quad stretches. Reduce training times, running or jumping. What can MyPhysio do? Advice on how to foam roll specifically for this problem Do muscle releases to reduce pull and stress on the affected area Check your running and jumping mechanics. Sports Enhancement: Ever wanted to jump higher or run faster? Speed and height are directly related to your positional mechanics: improve your setup and body positioning to maximize force output(see Core Alpha: Legs) and reduce injuries.

Lower Back Pain

This occurs with poor running technique, tight hip flexors, hamstrings or gluts due to poor stretching routine or over training. Usually occurs with Power Forward and the Center positions where there is excessive loads on the body placed on them by their defenders when attacking the basket. What can you do? Stretch or use a massage ball/foam roller on the hips, lower back and hamstrings where possible. Reduce contact drills during practice. X rays needed if muscle spasms become more frequent especially in adolescent teens. What can MyPhysio do? Do graduated myofascial releases to reduce discomfort vs aggressive massage which may aggravate pain in the lower back and legs. Check the spine for possible scoliosis or muscle imbalances. Sports Enhancement Teach basic core stability principals (see Core Alpha: Spine), Improve lower body, spinal mobility and strength to improve jumping and rebounding ability.

Thumb and Finger Injuries

Thumbs and fingers get jammed when trying to defend, catch or stop a ball causing injury to the ligament which leads to pain, swelling and instability. Motion in the finger will also be limited in the first few weeks. What can you do? Ice, massage, tape or brace the finger to prevent re-occurrence. What will MyPhysio do? Provide guidance on how to properly tape the finger in the direction that will reduce the chance of re-injury. Finger ROM to regain movement along with digit strengthening and stability exercises Sports Enhancement Learning management of this injury is key to having healthy fingers and reducing downtime needed to recover from this reoccurring injury.

Achilles Injury

This occurs with overuse, excessive running and jumping. Tears can also occur with repetitive insult to the area or occur insidiously. Players are usually unable to walk without help off the court. What can you do? Similarly, ice the area to reduce inflammation. Avoid stretching the area if there is residual pain after. Reduce training times, running or jumping and see a health care professional if pain persist. What can MyPhysio do? Advice on how to foam roll or ball releases specifically for this problem Do muscle releases to reduce pull and stress on the affected area Check your running and jumping mechanics

Sports Enhancement: Training the calf to maximum potential improves agility, speed and height of jumps, All the above are directly related to your positional mechanics: improve your setup and body positioning to maximize force output(see Core Alpha: Legs) and reduce injuries.

Contact us for more information on the different therapies available to help you exercise better today!