ACORN
PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC
WARMING TO THE LOOSENING-UP TASK
BRISTOL-based injury specialist Sarah Holmes knows all about the importance of sportsmen and women preparing themselves adequately for the rigours of their chosen sport.
Here, exclusively for Sportywest, she offers her advice to footballers on how to protect against those unwanted sprains and strains, which so often lead to the frustration of protracted time on the treatment table.
Sarah writes: "Now the season is well into its stride, no doubt those of you who play regularly (and even occasionally), are experiencing a few aches and pains, if not more serious injuries, such as hamstring tears and sprained ankle and knee ligaments to name a few.
"Try and avoid muscle strains by following a good warm-up programme before training and playing. Gentle jogging to get the circulation flowing 'warms up' the blood and, as a consequence, your muscles too.
Follow this by stretching your quadriceps and hamstrings (the muscles on the front and back of your thighs) and your calves. Don't forget to loosen up your back and upper body too.
"Muscle and ligament tears, which can cause swelling and bruising, will usually require a period of rest to prevent further damage. This is the time to have a course of physiotherapy to help promote good healing, restore muscle strength and agility and ultimately regain your match fitness."
If you have an acute injury or persistent recurrence of an injury, or just want advice and guidance on how to improve your performance, contact Sarah at Acorn Physiotherapy Clinic on 01179 077722.
You can get more information by visiting www.acornphysio.com
ABOUT US
Sarah Holmes appears to be an ideal choice when it comes to being treated with a healthy dose of understanding and sympathy – she is an athlete herself!
When Sarah isn’t undertaking half marathons, raising money for charities such as Juvenile Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Society in the throes, she is busy running Acorn Physiotherapy Clinic, which she established in 1997.
A chartered physiotherapist with 20 years’ experience, the past decade has seen her working for the Bristol Royal Infirmary and Royal United (Bath) hospitals, as well as Bath Rugby Club’s sports injuries clinic and Colston’s Collegiate rugby team.
Sarah continues to ply her trade at Frenchay Hospital in the back pain clinics, working closely with the orthopaedic consultants, arranging X-rays and MRI scans, and ensuring the best management of back pain through manipulation, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise.
She says: “I believe in providing a quality service to my patients through up-to-date evidence-based practice.”
What does she treat?
Sarah treats all sport-related injuries. The joints and soft tissues of the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder and elbow are particularly vulnerable to injury and overuse. Common complaints are hamstring strains, Achilles tendonitis, Golfers and Tennis Elbow and Rotator Cuff (tendon) injuries of the shoulder. These injuries invariably respond well to physiotherapy treatment.
Early treatment will address swelling, reduce pain and restore movement. This is followed by sport-specific exercise to strengthen muscles that become weak after injury.
Sarah has a particular interest in running-related problems due to her own interest in the sport.
Running injuries are often related to running style and asymmetries, which is why Sarah has a treadmill and digital video camera so that she can assess patients in action and provide visual feedback.
contact
Who
to contact: Sarah Holmes – 01179 077722
Where to go: Acorn Physiotherapy
Clinic, 197 Wellington Hill West,
Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4QW
Website: www.acornphysio.com
Email: acornphysio@hotmail.co.uk
Main sponsors: N/A
