Soccer Injuries - Head To Toe

Soccer is a very popular sport both locally and worldwide. References to the sport go as far back as 200 BC in China and around 4 BC in Greece. However, soccer as you and I know it did not have a formal set of rules set down until 1848 at Cambridge University.

Soccer is a very physically demanding sport, thus making those who participate vulnerable to injury. The National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) has done various studies on injury rates in high schools athletics, including soccer. It was found that most injuries in soccer occur to the ankles and feet, followed closely by the hip, thigh and leg area. Common injuries include ligament sprains/tears, muscle strains, contusions (bruises), cartilage tears (more common in the knee) and fractures. Higher percentages of injuries occur while kicking and when engaging in controlled pattern activity. Injury rates were higher at different positions as well. Halfbacks had the highest rate of injury where the goalkeeper had the lowest. Interestingly, soccer was the only sport studied that had more injuries during games than in practice. The statistics are very similar when comparing males and females in respect to the above information.

Head injuries are also of some concern. Studies by the NATA have shown that ball velocities can reach speeds up to 100km/hr (62 mph). However, most situations in which a player will head the ball would be at speeds slower than 100km/hr. Average speed from a punt is 70km/hr (43 mph) and a drop kick or goal kick 85 km/hr (53 mph). Most opportunities to head a ball are at velocities less than 65 km/hr (40 mph).

Where the ball strikes the head and how the player strikes the ball are also of importance. Head-ball contacts that occur on the side of the head or the forehead of an unprepared player can lead to ?whiplash? like injuries. It is recommended that contact be made at or near the hairline. Although the evidence is not conclusive that repetitive head shots cause significant impairments in the long term, it is still worthy of precaution.

It is no secret that preventing injuries is preferred. With the higher demands on young athletes today, off-season training including weight training and general conditioning is an important step towards preventing in-season injuries. A 15 minute warm-up before practice and games and a brief cool-down period is also recommended. Rest and fluid breaks are important as well. Protective gear such as mouthpieces and shin-guards can be very helpful. There are even various types of headgear that can be worn to protect the head.

While we all get bumps and bruises, more serious injuries that involve high levels of pain, swelling and loss of function should be evaluated by your physician. Your physician may refer you to physical therapy for treatment. Your Excel physical therapist can guide you through a rehabilitation program to get you back on the playing field as quickly and safely as possible. Best of luck to all athletes this spring season!

Brent Todd is a Physical Therapist at Excel Physical Therapy of Nebraska. You can read more articles on Physical Therapy by subscribing to the free quarterly newsletter at http://www.excelpt.com