This post contains information that is specific to the UK.
My doctor is rubbish! When I go to him with an injury he just sends me away with painkillers. What can I do?
General Practitioners often have limited options when it comes to dealing with sports injuries. From your point of view this can be immensely frustrating, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that s/he is a bad doctor, or that all doctors are rubbish – simply that they aren’t specialists in that particular area.
So, who else can I go to?
Osteopaths and physiotherapists both treat sports injuries, and both are regulated professions. There are similarities and differences between them; which one is “best” may depend on the individual practitioner, the nature of your injury and personal preference.
A good practitioner will be able to assess your injury and explain to you what is going on; if it turns out that it is something that they can’t treat themselves (for example, if you need surgery) then s/he will be able to advise you as to what to do.
Sports therapists and massage therapists may also be able to help with some injuries and for general maintainance. Take care when finding a practitioner though: while many are excellent, it’s currently legal in the UK for anyone to call him or herself a “sports therapist” or “sports masseur”. If in doubt, ask for details about the practitioner’s qualifications and insurance.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of a good strength coach in helping to address weak areas and recurring problems. Developing the right balance of muscle strength, mobility and stability is extremely important for reducing your injury risk, especially in highly demanding contact sports. Look for someone with a specific strength and conditioning qualification (e.g. the with the UKSCA in the UK) rather than just a “personal trainer”.
This isn’t a complete list, and there are practitioners of other therapies who I’d also regard as excellent.
How do I know if the person I’m seeing is any good?
The best way to find a practitioner is by personal recommendation. Some have more experience of working with sportspeople than others, and this is a definite advantage so don’t be afraid to ask.
If you don’t have a personal recommendation (or even if you do), then be prepared to shop around. Look for someone who you feel comfortable with, and who is sympathetic towards your involvement in combat sports.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. A good practitioner will be happy to explain to you what is going on, and the proposed course of treatment. S/he should also be able to address any concerns you may have, and give you a rough idea of the progress you should expect.
You should always be wary of a practitioner who is trying to “hard sell” you a lengthy and expensive course of treatment.
How can I find out if my practitioner is properly qualified?
Qualified physiotherapists will be registered with the Health Professions Council (http://www.hpc-uk.org). Osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (http://www.osteopathy.org.uk/).
If you are seeing another kind of therapist, ask the practitioner for details of their qualifications and, importantly, their liability insurance.
Is there anything I can do to help myself?
Yes! See our blog about looking after a recent injury.
