Issue 090
July 2012
Rosi Sexton is a leading professional fighter, sports therapist and registered osteopath. Why the people looking after you need to be championship-level too.
In MMA, just as in every other sport, injuries sometimes happen. For all those who are serious about their training, having a ‘go to’ person who can advise you and treat the problems quickly and efficiently can be a worthwhile investment.
Finding such a person isn’t always easy, though. There are lots of different professionals out there who treat sports injuries. But for many athletes, it can be confusing and stressful, not to mention expensive, trying to find the right one to help you.
Many people get hung up on the differences between the different therapies – physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, sports masseurs and so on. In reality, there is often as much variation within each of these therapies as between them, and there are good and less good practitioners of each. Rather than get into a debate about the labels, I’m going to focus on general advice about what to look for in a therapist.
MUST BE QUALIFIED AND CARRY INDEMNITY INSURANCE
Don’t be afraid to ask about qualifications and insurance. In the US, physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors are all regulated – anyone claiming to practice as one of the above must be registered with a professional governing body.
HAS AN INTEREST IN SPORT, AND EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH COMPETITIVE ATHLETES
People with no interest in sport shouldn’t treat athletes. A race car driver wouldn’t employ a mechanic who continually lectured him about the need to drive at a more sensible speed, and nor should you go to a therapist who is quick to advise you to give up your sport.
You don’t necessarily need to find someone who’s an MMA fanatic, though. The crucial thing is for them to understand the competitive mind-set, and to ask and care about your personal goals. Getting you back to fighting fitness needs to be as important as just getting you out of pain.
ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS TO YOUR SATISFACTION
You shouldn’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. In order to take control of your injury, you need to understand the problem. A good practitioner will be happy to explain clearly to you what’s going on, and what they can do to help.
Look for a therapist who gives you plausible explanations based on anatomy and physiology, rather than some vague waffle about energy fields and healing auras. Unless you like that kind of thing.
TAKES A CASE HISTORY AND DOES A THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE INJURY
Expect a good therapist to ask you some questions about your general health, and any accidents, surgeries or major illnesses you may have had.
S/he should also ask you questions about the pain you’re getting, including exactly where it is, how it started and what makes it worse (or better). This should be followed by a physical examination of the area.
Avoid therapists who seem to have only a vague idea about what’s causing the problem and whose general approach is to just ‘rub the sore bit.’ If you’re not convinced, seek another opinion.
HAS GOOD HANDS-ON SKILLS AND TAKES ACCOUNT OF YOUR FEEDBACK
The treatment should usually feel relevant to the problem, and the practitioner should be able to explain what it is s/he’s doing, and how it will help. Certain kinds of treatment may sometimes be a little painful, but it should never be intolerable. A good practitioner will at all times respect your wishes if you prefer to avoid a particular technique or type of treatment.
AVOIDS THE HARD SELL
If you find yourself being pressured into getting your credit card out to pre-pay a whole lot of appointments you’re not sure you really need, consider getting another opinion. Many injuries do not really need a lengthy course of treatment, and there’s often a great deal that you can do to help yourself. The best practitioners will give you advice you on how to manage your injury and recommend further sessions only when you need them.
GETS RESULTS!
With some injuries, you may not get an instant improvement. But if you find yourself going back time after time with no change, then either you’ve not been following the advice you’re getting – or it’s time to look elsewhere!
