Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Cricket: A High-Injury Sport
Cricket has injury rates comparable to contact sports, particularly for fast bowlers. The complex, asymmetric actions of bowling, batting, and fielding place enormous repetitive stress on specific structures — the lower back (fast bowlers), hamstrings (all players), shoulders (bowlers and fielders), and knees. With Faridabad producing competitive cricketers at district and state level, cricket-specific physiotherapy is a key service at Realign Rehab Clinic.
Common Cricket Injuries
Lumbar Stress Fractures (Pars Defects): The most serious overuse injury in fast bowlers. Repetitive hyperextension + rotation + compression loads the pars interarticularis to failure. Young bowlers (ages 15–25) are most vulnerable. Requires early identification, rest, and careful graduated return-to-bowling programme. Hamstring Strains: Very common in batters (running between wickets), fast bowlers (delivery stride), and fielders. Rotator Cuff Injuries: Overhead throwing (fast bowling, throw from outfield) causes repetitive shoulder stress. Side Strain: Abdominal oblique muscle tear common in fast bowlers and batters playing pull shots. Knee Injuries: ACL injuries from fielding dives; patellofemoral pain from batting crouching.
Cricket-Specific Rehabilitation
Bowling Action Analysis
We assess bowling technique for risk factors: mixed action (shoulders counter-rotating to hips), excessive front-on delivery, hyperextension at ball release. Technique modification is an important part of injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Graduated Return-to-Bowling Protocol
For all spinal injuries, we use a phased return-to-bowling protocol: net practice → short bowling spells → match practice → full match play, with progression criteria at each stage.
Cricket Physiotherapy in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we understand cricket and what it demands of the body. Book your cricket injury assessment today.