U17 – Injury Management & Prevention

Why is good injury management important?

• Welfare of the player

• Less time out of game

• Improved performance

• Longer career in sport

Preventative Strategies

• Screening– Identify predisposing factors to injury

– Detect musculoskeletal impairments that may affect performance

– Identify ongoing injuries, which may or may not be receiving treatment. Players carrying injuries into a season

– Identify problems not responding to treatment

– Put into action a plan in response to these findings.

U-17 Key Points - How to reduce injuries?

• Specific strengthening programmes– E.g. eccentric training for hamstrings

• Balance and agility training– Shown to reduce incidence of ankle and ACL injuries

• Flexibility training

• Improved general fitness

• Proper nutrition, hydration and rest

• Core stability– Good posture, form and technique

• Proper functional rehabilitation– Previous injuries must be properly managed

U-17 Key Points – Treating Injuries

• Protect: Stop playing & protect the injured area.

• Rest: First 72 hours are crucial.

• Ice: Can limit damage and speed recovery.10min on/off x 1 hour.

• Compression: Apply evenly & with ice to cool the deeper tissues. Not overnight.

• Elevation: Reduces swelling. Don’t go partying and standing all night.

• Early detection of injury. (follow up slight injuries). – Seek assessment early to ensure best management.

U-17 Key Points - Benefits

• Less Injuries equals more playing time

• More playing time equals improved performances/skill

• Better performance equals more enjoyment

• Longer career in sport

• Early detection and assessment can prevent chronic injury.

Summary

• Risk factors– Extrinsic– Intrinsic

• Injury Prevention– Identify areas of risk– Implement strategies to address these– Screening– Treatment & Rehabilitation

• Work on form and control

• Rest well