This time of year marks the beginning of pre- season training for many sports. So now is the perfect time to build a good injury prevention program, to enable your best, injury free performance throughout the season!

Although accidents happen and you can never guarantee an injury won’t occur, we do know that different sports are more susceptible to different injuries due to their physical demands. For example, we tend to see a lot of ankle injuries, foot pain, knee ligament injuries (ACL) and meniscal tears in netball, basketball, soccer and football due to the fast paced, sudden change in direction and high impact nature of the games. Consequently by identifying the risk factors involved you can reduce them by implementing training and prevention strategies that involve sport specific strengthening and neuromuscular control.

Some of these risk factors may include- reduced flexibility, muscle strength, power, endurance, stability, balance/ coordination or aerobic fitness.

As well as injury prevention, pre season training allows you to develop necessary ‘match fitness’. This time of year many athletes are returning to their sport after well deserved holidays over the summer period, in turn this may mean you are not as conditioned as you were previously. And, even if during your relaxing holiday you did hit the gym regularly it may not be preparing you for the specific demands and nature of your sport. You need to prepare the body for what’s coming.
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So, watch this space over the next 6 weeks to see how some of these risk factors mentioned can be addressed through sport specific exercises, targeting specific joints such as knees and ankles that are at high risk of sustaining an injury. We will also be giving advice and education on diet and nutrition, general mobility/warming up and directing you to some great resources for further information!