Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
The Cost of Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are not just painful -- they are costly in time lost from sport, reduced performance, and long-term joint health. In India, with limited sports medicine infrastructure, many injuries go inadequately treated and lead to chronic problems. Physiotherapy-based injury prevention programmes represent a highly cost-effective investment for athletes, clubs, and sports organisations.
Evidence-Based Prevention Programmes
The FIFA 11+ programme for football: reduces all injuries by 30-50% and knee injuries by 50% through a structured warm-up of strength, balance, and plyometric exercises. The Netball Smart programme: reduces ACL injury rates. The Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) programme: reduces ACL injuries by 41% in female athletes. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center's programmes: systematically reduce various sports injuries.
Physiotherapy Injury Prevention Assessment
Movement Screening
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) identifies movement asymmetries and limitations associated with injury risk. Athletes scoring below 14 have significantly higher injury rates. Screening guides specific corrective exercise prescription.
Strength Testing
Isokinetic or functional strength testing identifies limb asymmetries (>10% difference increases injury risk), weakness thresholds (e.g., H:Q ratio for hamstring injury risk), and baseline measurements for post-injury return-to-sport criteria.
Sport-Specific Risk Factor Assessment
Cricket: lumbar extension mobility assessment for fast bowlers (limited extension = higher stress fracture risk). Football/running: single-leg squat quality (dynamic valgus = ACL and patellofemoral risk). Overhead sports: shoulder rotation strength ratio (posterior cuff deficit = impingement risk).
Injury Prevention in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we help athletes and clubs implement evidence-based prevention programmes. Book your sports screening assessment today.