The Haven
Healing Centre
The Orchard
Draycott Rd, Cheddar
Somerset
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Sports Therapy, Injury Treatments and Match Cover for Chew Valley Rugby Club (2008-2012)Sports therapy and massage for injury treatment in sport
I became associated with Chew Valley Rugby Club part way through the 2008 season, when I had achieved my Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy. I then undertook and qualified in the FA Level 2 and 3 - Treatment and Management of Injury in Football (because the equivalent in rugby didn't exist at the time), and took up some duties at the club on training nights and match days.Chew Valley RFC is situated in the Chew Valley, close to both Bristol and Bath. We have 2 teams that play in the Somerset leagues. The first XV team play in the South West Division - Somerset Premier League, with the second XV team playing in the South West Division - Tribute Somerset 2 North. Ground Address: Lobbingtons, Chew Lane, Chew Stoke, Bristol, BS40 8UE Key to any team's success is consistency in the structure of the team, and I see it as my job to make sure the players stay as fit and healthy as possible, despite the fact that rugby is a contact sport and there is not a game that goes by when someone doesn't get hurt. So it is the nature of the game really to always be playing catchup against injuries and fatigue. I'm qualified in a variety of therapies that are beneficial to the club members. At the risk of repeating myself, these are; Sports Massage, Bio-Stress Release, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Emergency Aid (FA requirement) training, as well as the FA Level 2 and 3 Certificate in the Treatment and Management of Injury in Football.
The team players are focused and have a good team spirit, which is always good to see, on and off the pitch. Working together to keep the players as fit as possible, and playing as often as possible, means players can give of their best in each game, knowing they are fit to play, and not struggling with old injuries. Rehabilitation often consists of immediate treatment, massage and then a progressive exercise program. Players who are ready to go back to work often can benefit from a little protective strapping or taping, of joints or muscles, so that they can exercise these areas in real game situations. This often has the effect of triggering the body into rapid healing. Although I love to watch the game, match days can be a little hectic and my first priority has to be with the injured players, to keep muscle injuries to a minimum and healing at its maximum. I have provided the club with match day cover for games both at home and away for close on 4 whole seasons and love every minute of it. The bitter winter wind and rain isn't so much fun though.
Come rain, sun, frost or fog, when the whistle blows, it's up and down the sidelines, with a medical kit and an ice pack, just in case, oh, and don't forget the magic sponge. Where would we be without our magic sponge? But even that is only a distant second to the pain killing properties of plain cold water, fantastic stuff! Referee's realize that rugby is a very different game to football and nowadays, referee's usually tell me beforehand to just to come onto the pitch if I see a man go down and he is in obvious difficulty. This means I can get to a player within seconds and make the assessment of his injuries before starting treatment. Once the ref hears one of us shout, he is quickly on the scene to learn what the problem is and allow for pitch treatments, a temporary blood swop or a substitution.
Rugby players seem to get different injuries to some other sports. Whereas footballers tend to get lower limb injuries, such as knees, calves, ankles and feet, rugby players can, in addition, get a variety of upper body injuries, in particular, the shoulders, neck, wrist or fingers (mainly the thumb). Close body contact also makes them vulnerable to superficial injuries like cuts and grazes, and some of these are occasionally not so superficial, which usually means we are in a bit of a blood bath (head wounds, even small ones, often look like you've cut an artery!). During matches it's not unusual for me to have to go on 10-15 times during the course of a game, even if surreptitiously at the back of the pack, so as not to interupt the flow of the game. It's when the ref says 'Blimey, you're on the pitch more than the players', which can be a little amusing, but you know by then it's been a real bruiser of a game. But I'd rather go on too often than miss one and it be serious.
Training nights is a good opportunity to help assess and treat acute injuries, either those acquired during training, or from a previous match, but also provides the ideal setting where chronic injuries can be treated more thoroughly and for longer. It is during these times that I may need to liase with the coach and players to advise about a player's match suitability and ability. When players need more treatment, or specialized treatment, that is difficult to offer match side or in the changing rooms, I have an established private practice and treatment room at The Haven Healing Centre, in Cheddar. The 'energies' here are good, and the views are spectacular, looking out over Cheddar and the Somerset levels. This means that players, coaches and family members can avail themselves of the help they need at a time to suit them and at a facility within a superb location and setting. This allows me to treat a whole range of sports people, like runners, footballers, climbers, skiers, cyclists and other people with a wide range of injuries and musculoskeletal problems. Other specialized areas include; spinal and postural problems, static lymph and oedema problems, muscle imbalance problems, joint mobilisation and neuro-muscular therapy, trigger point therapy, pain therapy, counselling and sports performance. Sports men and women of all abilities, and with even the most professional approach, get injured sometimes. It matters not whether they are professionals, amateurs or just a parent spending time with their children. If you sustain a sporting injury, stop! Don't wait for it to get worse. Get treatment NOW!. If you live anywhere within the areas listed below, you are well within a 2-40 minute drive of The Haven Healing Centre, and I'd be delighted to see you. Please call Phil on 01934 740275 to make your appointment or to talk about a treatment plan structured around your needs. You can find out more about the Chew Valley RFC team and club by going here: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/chewvalley. TRAINING FOR A LONG WALK, RUN OR CHARITY EVENT? If you are doing any kind of charity event, run, or long walk, you need to train beforehand and gradually build up your stamina and endurance. This ensures you will perform on the day and succeed, without sustaining an overuse or strain injury. I regularly work with people participating in fun runs, the MoonWalk, other charity events, sportsmen and women of all interests including tennis, golf, trampolining, cycling, athletics and marathon runners. If you are training for any kind of sporting activity, then I invite you to visit The Haven Healing Centre in Cheddar for assistance with sports massage and/or sports related injury. Click here for appointments and contact details. I look forward to welcoming you soon where we can talk about a treatment plan structured around your needs. Phil. Please share this page with your friends. Thank you.
Note: DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read. It's a small investment in yourself, but could be a life-changing experience you will cherish forever. | ||||||||||||
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