Most Common Cricket Injuries and How to Treat Them
With the current cricket season in Australia slowly coming to an end, there’s a good chance some people might have gotten injured during a game or are just experiencing some post-game niggles. Below we have discussed three common injuries experienced in cricket.
1. Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain
What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder and aid in shoulder movement. A very common area of pain, rotator cuff related shoulder pain is thought to make up 80% of all shoulder pain. Repetitive movements can lead to an overloading of the rotator cuff. As bowlers and fielders use their shoulders a lot, they’re at more risk of rotator cuff injuries.
What are the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?
Pain around the front, side or behind the shoulder with movement
Difficulty achieving full range of motion
Pain or tenderness when reaching or working overhead
Trouble reaching behind the back
Weakness of the shoulder muscles
How to best treat a rotator cuff injury
The best and most widely accepted form of treatment for RCRSP is active treatments in the form of exercises and movements prescribed by your treating physiotherapist. These will be individually designed to gradually get you back on the pitch playing your best as soon as possible.
Some adjunct treatments to improve symptoms include:
Manual therapy in the form of soft tissue massages and joint mobilisations
Reducing or avoiding the activities that increase your symptoms
Heat/ice packs
Keeping active and staying positive!
How can the risk of a rotator cuff injury be reduced?
Perform regular strength training during the cricket season
Develop overall strength and conditioning in the off-season
Track your cricket/bowling load throughout the season
Adequate recovery in between training sessions/games – rest, hydration and nutrition!
2. Side strain
What is a side strain?
A side muscle strain is when the internal oblique muscles experience a tear or a strain. As bowling requires a large amount of side bending and is a powerful movement, our side muscles are placed under a great amount of repetitive strain.
What are the symptoms of a side strain?
A sudden, sharp onset of pain when bowling or a gradual onset of pain after a training session/game
Pain may occur in muscles between the ribs or in the side of your abdomen
Pain when taking a deep breath
Bruising at the site of the injury
Pain with movement of the trunk including twisting or bending
How to best treat a side strain
Reduce or avoid the aggravating activity (usually bowling!)
Stay as active as possible
Gradually improve range of motion and trunk strength with exercises
Graded return to bowling
How to best reduce the risk of a side strain occuring?
Ensure a thorough warm up prior to bowling
Maintain trunk and upper body strength during the cricket season
Track bowling load throughout the season! Spikes in load, or trying to maintain a high load can lead to an increase risk of a strain occurring
3. Spondylolysis (Lumbar Stress Fracture)
What is that??
A Spondylolysis is a stress fracture to a bone of the lumbar spine. These fractures typically occur due to overuse (bowling, again!) and primarily affects teenagers/younger athletes.
What are the symptoms of a lumbar stress fracture?
Sometimes can be symptom-free!
Dull ache that gets worse with activity
Pain with lumbar extension
Diagnosis requires imaging (X-ray, or even CT scan/MRI)
How to best treat a lumbar stress fracture?
Generally most lumbar spine stress fractures do not require surgery
A strict period of rest from the aggravating activity
A gradually progressing strength program focusing on the muscles of the back, core and hips
A graded return to bowling
How to best reduce the risk of a side strain occuring?
Maintain trunk and upper body strength during the cricket season
Track bowling load throughout the season! Spikes in load, or trying to maintain a high load can lead to an increase risk of a strain occurring
Ensure adequate nutrition for bone health
Of course the best course of action after getting injured is to see a professional and make a personalized plan to get back to doing all of the activities you love doing. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to get in contact via phone (8080 8088) or email (admin@ysphysio.com)
Written by Jack Rains
— Physiotherapist, Sydney
Back pain is a prevalent issue that affects millions of people worldwide. However, there are numerous myths surrounding the causes and treatments of back pain that can lead to misinformation and confusion.