Injuries in netball
Other factors influencing injury include; tripping, collisions with other players, being struck by the ball, over-exertion and fatigue.
Common symptoms of an ACL rupture include a “popping” sound at the time of the injury, severe pain, swelling and a feeling of instability.
[3] As soon as an injury occurs game time must be held until the player has been properly assessed and removed from the court if need be.
regimes:[5] P - Protect R - Rest I - Ice C - Compression E - Elevation S - Stabilise D - Danger R - Response S - Send for help A - Airway B - Breathing C - Circulation T - Talk O - Observe T - Touch A - Active movement P - Passive movement S - Skills test R - Rest I - Ice C - Compression E - Elevation R - Referral If an injury occurs ensure that all netball players receive adequate treatment and full rehabilitation before returning to play.
[2] In order to prevent netball injuries, essential pre-season training is required before commencing the playing season.
In pre-season training players must undertake fitness programs that focus on power, strength, agility and flexibility, especially of muscles around the ankles and feet.
It is important that fitness testing is conducted prior to competition to ensure readiness to play the game.
Training should consist of netball specific exercises that focus on enhancing body balance, landing control, change of direction and catching passes.
It is essential for coaches to undergo regular educational updates to make sure the information they have about correct training drills is current.
It is highly recommended that players wear netball specific shoes, as they are tailored to the demands of the game and provide the correct level of support and cushioning.
It is also recommended that players should wear braces or strap their ankles to provide extra support and decrease the risk of a major injury occurring.
Players will often enter an extremely negative state of mind immediately after an injury, however; during recovery they often become exceedingly positive.
During rehabilitation an athletes motivation and enthusiasm for treatment may decrease if they are experiencing setbacks or a period of little or no improvement.
It is important for athletes to have a good support network to keep them positive and focused during these harder times.
The athlete may fear they are going to be a different player, they will not meet their coach or teammates expectations or that their physical fitness will not return to pre-injury state.
This anxiety and tension can lead to the following outcomes: reinjury; injury to another body part; lowered confidence resulting in a temporary or permanent performance decrement; general depression; and fear of further injury, which can sap motivation and the desire to return to competition.
[7] The most successful psychological techniques that aid injury recovery are; good interpersonal communication skills, positive reinforcement, setting realistic goals, knowing methods for positive self-thoughts, coach support, and keeping the athlete involved with the team.
Determining a successful return to netball from injury for most athletes is the ability to train and compete at pre-injury levels and standards.
Physiotherapists state that athletes who show interest in their rehabilitation by; communicating well, asking questions, listening well to advice, and providing feedback, are more likely to have a positive psychological response to their injury.
[10] In October 2005, Australian captain Liz Ellis, suffered a career-threatening knee injury after tearing her ACL in a match against New Zealand.
[11] West Coast Fever captain, Ashleigh Brazill, ruptured the meniscus in her left knee late in the 2012 ANZ Championship season.
[12] In April 2015, Melbourne Vixens mid courter, Madi Robinson ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.
