With the Rugby Union Six Nations series underway and the Rugby World Cup in prospect, England will be hoping that their depleted squad can avoid further injury, in what England coach Stuart Lancaster has said will be England’s ‘biggest year’ in the sport.
After opening games against Wales and Italy, England face Ireland, Scotland and France in their final three matches. This year’s Six Nations acts a prelude to the World Cup, being held in the Autumn in England and Wales.
Only nine members of the England team that beat Australia in the autumn were in the starting XV for the first match against Wales. Tight-head prop Dan Cole made his first England appearance in almost a year. Luther Burrell and Jonathan Joseph formed a new-look centre partnership, with James Haskell coming in on the blind-side flank for the Cardiff match. England's injury crisis means that five players – Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph, George Ford, Dave Attwood and George Kruis – all started their first Six Nations match against Wales.
Shoulder and knee ligament problems are common in rugby, which combines twisting and turning with acceleration and physical contact. To treat traumatic injuries a more holistic approach is required. This can include strength training (for example building neck strength in front row forwards), together with tailored conditioning and warm-up routines such as World Rugby’s Rugby Ready.
Injuries in a collision sport like rugby are inevitable and many individuals will continue to play with what they consider as a trivial injury. Sometimes however, these minor injuries can predispose one to a more significant injury and a lengthy time off. An early visit to a health care professional for advice and management could mean the difference between losing a couple of weeks and half a season of playing time.
The ISEH offers treatment and rehabilitation for a range of rugby-related injuries, via NHS and private referrals. Several of our consultants have close links to the world of rugby, together with wide experience of treating both elite and weekend players.
Find out more about referrals and making appointments at the ISEH.