Skateboarding Injuries

Skateboarding Injuries

Understanding the Risks

Skateboarding, along with similar sports such as scootering and using rip sticks, inherently involves a risk of falls. These can lead to injuries in the lower limbs, upper limbs, and the spinal or hip area. As skateboarders often seek greater heights, speed, and challenge themselves with adventurous tricks, the chance of suffering fractures in the wrist, hip, or other areas increases. Fortunately, most injuries are soft tissue related, like bruises and sprains, which respond well to physiotherapy and massage treatments.

However, in cases where a fracture or head concussion is suspected, immediate medical attention and potentially an X-ray at a hospital are crucial.

Injury Statistics and Patterns

The popularity of skateboarding has surged, and with it, skateboarding injuries have risen. Common injuries involve the wrist, ankle, or face, often occurring from falls when skateboarders lose their balance. A notable study from 2001 highlighted ankle and wrist fractures as prevalent among skateboarders. Interestingly, older riders tend to experience less severe injuries, primarily sprains and soft tissue injuries.

Children, particularly those skateboarding on ramps and in arenas, face a higher injury risk. Loss of balance and failed trick attempts are common causes. Surprisingly, only a small percentage of injuries occur on roads. However, the most severe injuries are often due to falls caused by surface irregularities.

Despite these risks, skateboarding remains a fun, healthy sport offering low-impact aerobic exercise and an adrenaline rush.

Prevention Guidelines

Safe Practice: Always use protective gear and learn basic skateboarding skills, especially stopping techniques.
Designated Areas: Skate in professionally designed bowls, ramps, and areas away from traffic.
Skill Level Awareness: Avoid attempting tricks that exceed your abilities.
Equipment Maintenance: Keep your skateboard in good condition and avoid using headphones while skateboarding.
Safety Gear: Never skate without a helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and appropriate shoes.

Protective Gear Essentials

Helmet
Wrist guards
Knee and elbow pads
Suitable skateboarding shoes

Special Considerations for Young Children

Skateboarding isn’t recommended for young children due to their ongoing physical development and lack of necessary skills and judgment. Most injuries occur in children under 15, predominantly boys. Inexperienced skateboarders, especially those without protective gear, are at the highest risk. Additionally, skateboarding near traffic or on homemade ramps significantly increases danger.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises:

Children under 5 should not skateboard.
Children aged 6 to 10 need close adult supervision.
Young children are at particular risk due to their higher center of gravity, slower reactions, and tendency to overestimate their abilities.

From a Physiotherapist’s Perspective

As physiotherapists, we emphasise the importance of prevention and proper technique. We recommend:

Regular skill development sessions.
Physiotherapy consultations for personalized advice on injury prevention.
Seeking professional help at the first sign of injury.

Conclusion

Skateboarding offers great benefits but comes with risks. Understanding these risks, using the right protective gear, and practicing safely can significantly reduce injury chances. Remember, in case of injury, a physiotherapist can provide expert advice and treatment to ensure a speedy and safe recovery.

Call to Action

If you’re a skateboarder, or your child is, consider a consultation with a physiotherapist. They can offer valuable insights into injury prevention and provide tailored advice to keep you safe and enjoying the sport for years to come.

Sports Physiotherapy FAQs

Article by Zoe Russell

Sports Physiotherapy FAQs

Sports Physiotherapy is the specialised branch of physiotherapy which deals with injuries and issues related to spokespeople. Practitioners with additional formal training within Australia are Sports & Exercise Physiotherapists.

What is Sports Physiotherapy?

Sports injuries do differ from common everyday injuries. Athletes usually require high-level performance and demands placed upon their bodies, which stresses their muscles, joints and bones to the limit. Sports physiotherapists help athletes recover from sporting injuries and provide education and resources to prevent problems. Each sports physiotherapist usually has sport-specific knowledge that addresses acute, chronic and overuse injuries. Their services are generally available to sportsmen and women of all ages engaged in sports at any level of competition.

Members of Sports Physiotherapy Australia (SPA) have experience and knowledge of the latest evidence-based practice, professional assessment and diagnosis of sports injuries, and effective hands-on management techniques and exercise protocols to assist recovery and prevent future damage. SPA members have access to the most recent advances in sports physiotherapy. You'll be pleased to know that most PhysioWorks physiotherapists and massage therapists are particularly interested in sports injury management.

General Sports Physio FAQs

Injury Management

Sports Massage

Sports Insurance

Sports Insurance

Sports Injury Management: This article provides a comprehensive look at how sports injuries are managed, including prevention strategies and treatment options.
Soft Tissue Injury Healing: Readers can learn about the healing process for soft tissue injuries, including practical advice for each phase of recovery.
Prehabilitation: Key to Injury-Free Sports Performance: Offers insights into how athletes can prevent injuries before they occur, focusing on strengthening and conditioning practices.
Athletics Injuries - Comprehensive Physio Guide: A detailed guide on common injuries in athletics and how to treat and prevent them, making it a valuable resource for athletes of all levels.
Acute Sports Injury Clinic: Highlights the services offered by sports injury clinics, including fast-track assessments and treatments for acute sports injuries.
Effective Management of Kids Sports Injuries: This guide focuses on the unique aspects of managing sports injuries in children, offering parents and coaches valuable advice on care and prevention.

More Information

Ashgrove - Call 33664221

Book Online: Ashgrove

Clayfield - Call 38624544

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Loganholme - Call 38013417

Book Online: Loganholme

Rochedale - Call 38410277

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Salisbury - Call 32751044

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Sandgate - Call 32691122

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Common Muscle Injuries

A Physiotherapist's Guide

Introduction

Muscle injuries, presenting as muscle strain, pain or myalgia, are prevalent health issues affecting a wide range of individuals. This detailed guide, from a physiotherapist's perspective, delves into various muscle injuries, elaborating on their management, prevention, and the importance of professional advice. Explore the linked articles for an in-depth understanding of muscle injuries and their effective treatment.


Common Muscle Injuries

Neck & Back Muscle Injuries: Causes and Solutions

Back Muscle Pain: This pain often results from prolonged poor posture or physical overuse. Key to relief is engaging in exercises that strengthen the core muscles and improve posture, thereby alleviating the strain on the back.
Neck Sprain: Caused by sudden, awkward movements, a neck sprain can benefit from a combination of gentle stretches and targeted strengthening exercises to restore flexibility and strength.
Text Neck: A modern ailment resulting from extended mobile device use, text neck can lead to chronic pain. Regular breaks, posture-awareness, and neck-strengthening exercises are essential for prevention.
Whiplash: Commonly occurring in car accidents, whiplash requires a careful approach including neck stabilisation exercises and controlled movement to encourage healing and prevent further injury.

Lower Limb Muscle Injuries: Understanding and Treating

Hamstring Strain: Particularly common among athletes, particularly runners, this strain demands rest initially, followed by a carefully structured rehabilitation program focusing on gradual strength building and flexibility.
Thigh Strain: Often seen in sports involving sprinting and jumping, thigh strains need a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) in the initial stages, followed by carefully planned strengthening exercises.
Groin Strain: This injury requires a nuanced approach, including sufficient rest and targeted exercises, to ensure a safe and effective recovery.
Calf Muscle Tear: Key to recovery is a balance of rest, gentle stretching exercises, and a gradual return to full activity, ensuring the muscle heals correctly and strength is regained.

Upper Limb Muscle Injuries: Prevention and Care

Golfer's Elbow and Tennis Elbow: Both these conditions involve inflammation of the tendons and require a rest period, followed by ice therapy and specific exercises tailored to strengthen the affected muscles.
Corked Thigh: Resulting from direct impacts, these injuries demand immediate application of ice and a controlled, gradual exercise regime for recovery.
DOMS, Fatigue-Related Cramps & Myalgia: Adequate rest, good hydration, and gentle stretching are crucial in alleviating these conditions.
RSI: Regular stretching, ergonomic workplace adjustments, and taking breaks are key preventive measures for repetitive strain injury.

Systemic Causes of Muscle Pain: A Holistic View

Fibromyalgia: This complex condition demands a holistic treatment approach, including exercise routines, stress management techniques, and sometimes medication.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Effective management combines medication, gentle exercise, and regular physiotherapy sessions.

Prevention and Management Strategies

Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain muscle strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of muscle injuries.
Posture Improvement: Good posture, both in motion and at rest, is crucial for preventing muscle strain.
Proper Warm-up and Cool-down: Adequate warm-up before and cool-down after physical activity is vital in preventing muscle strains and injuries.
Ergonomic Adjustments: Making ergonomic adjustments at work and during daily activities can significantly reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and other muscle-related issues.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Keeping a healthy weight reduces the strain on muscles, particularly in weight-bearing joints.

What to Do? Seeking Professional Advice

Consult a physiotherapist or doctor for personalised advice and treatment plans. Remember, early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes and prevent chronic problems.