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Before leaving Vancouver to travel as physiotherapist for the junior national field hockey team, many people wished me a good vacation. Vacation? Traveling with a team is hard work. The physiotherapist is responsible for the musculoskeletal health of the team, aiding to maximize their performance on the road. We spent three days in Edinburgh, and saw nothing but pastureland, shuttling between the turf field and dormitory-not a single castle! Then we were whisked off to Lilleshall National Sports Centre in England, a beautiful facility, but again, no castles! National teams which travel do not have much spare time. Often they practice up to twice daily for two hours. In addition there are daily sessions of stretching, meetings to review tactics, study sessions of video feedback, and ice baths. What are ice baths? The athletes sit in a bathtub or large inflatable pool filled with ice water, for 10 minutes. They hate the discomfort of ice baths, but claim that they feel better after. The physiotherapist helps organize the ice baths, the stretching sessions, and the warm-ups and cool-downs. Another task of the physiotherapist is to monitor and liase with the coaches about the training load. Overtraining leads to fatigue, poor performance, and injuries. The physiotherapist also monitors hydration. With multiple training sessions or matches, an electrolyte drink such as Gatorade can be beneficial, as well as a large supply of water. Depending on the age and level of the athlete, the physiotherapist helps to educate about nutrition, especially pre-game meals. The athletes must know what to eat for meals 3-4 hours before a game (carbohydrates, low fibre, and some protein), versus after a game (snack within 30 minutes to replenish muscle glycogen). First aid and injury management are the vital role of the physiotherapist. Prior to arrival at the venue, the emergency plans are reviewed. How is an ambulance called? In England, dial 999, in North America, 911. Where is the nearest hospital, and how is the insurance company contacted? Early in the tour, there are usually not too many injuries, but they mount as time goes on. In field hockey, there are lots of back, groin, knee and hand injuries. Before a game, injured and recovering athletes are taped to support the area and help prevent further injury. Typically, after a long day, the only time to treat athletes is after dinner, and with many athletes injured or sore, can continue to midnight. Manual Therapy means "hands on" therapy. There are many manual therapy techniques we incorporate into practice. These might include joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, myofascial release, muscle energy techniques and active release techniques. The physiotherapist, along with the coaches and team manager, is an essential part of the team. It is no vacation, but it is fun, and there are occasional rest days. Germany next!
For more information on Physiotherapy in Vancouver visit Vancouver Physiotherapists Go Physiotherapy!
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