Cardiff Chiropractor’s in Rugby - Llandaff Rugby Club
Although chiropractic care is applicable to patients with all forms of injuries, it’s not just limited to daily aches and pains, complicated inflammatory conditions or sciatica, rather, it can be used for the treatment of sports Injuries, especially within rugby players.
Working with Llandaff Rugby as their team therapist for the 1st team players, I have experienced a wide range of conditions that both chiropractic and sports massage help in treating. As rugby is a contact sport, having a good awareness of triaging players is vital, the severity of injuries can vary significantly to head injuries, concussions and loss of consciousness, to broken bones and dislocations (of which shoulders and clavicles are very common) to more neuropathic issues like shoulder stingers or soft tissue injuries such as pulled muscles. Being able to identify which of these require immediate attention and which can be managed with help from either other players, is essential and is a skill we use in regard to management of patients too. Understanding which red flags to look out for with patients is essential in order to get them the best form of treatment to their needs, as sometimes the injuries that present to us, both as a chiropractor or a sports pitch-side therapist, is simply out of our remit.
The very physically demanding side of the sport also commonly results in rugby players needing treatment for aches and pains of both the joints of the back and for different extremities, especially the quadriceps, hamstring, rotator cuff of the shoulder and into the muscles of the neck. Both on and off the pitch we are always providing players with education, reassurance and treatment for their injury, including rehab to allow players to continue their own self-management. For many players, rugby really is a part of their identity, and not being able to play can sometimes be the worst thing about their week, getting the players back onto the pitch in a safe but also timely manner is crucial.
The typical week with Llandaff rugby club would be treatment during training, I focus on soft tissue injuries that players have sustained during the previous game, as well as any ongoing issues that they are experiencing. Each appointment will only last between 10-20 minutes but will incorporate a large form of treatment to both soft tissue massage and chiropractic adjustments, as well as if needed by any of the players sports taping of any injured joints. Common areas for this include shoulders and ankles. Taping provides players with a reinforced sense of control and strength within the joints and can help them continue with day-to-day activities prior to a game.
On a game day I provide players with any forms of pre-event massage and any taping that they require. This can vary from taping jumpers to head protection tape, to taping of key areas that players feel that they would benefit from, particularly shoulders and ankles, as well as fingers to reduce chances of dislocations or injury. All of this is provided to allow for the best outcomes possible for the players during their game. Throughout the games, I consistently check to see that any forms of taping needs to be redone as well as to assess the general mood of the players whilst playing. Understanding this allows you to understand that sometimes all the players need is to catch their breath and a sip of water!
If you feel that you’ve suffered from a sports Injury in the past that hasn’t resolved or are wanting more information about how a chiropractor can help you, then feel free to get book an appointment with us to see if we can help in anyway.
Written by Daniel De Rooij