Rugby coaching tips for muscle spasm and ankle injuries

Muscle spasms

Muscle spasms are different to cramp and are caused by rapid and sustained contraction of muscles.

Muscle spasms usually affect the smaller and deeper postural muscles, although the larger surface muscles can also go into spasm. It is a common occurrence in back muscles, especially the lumbar spine.

Rugby forwards are prone to low back pain caused by spasm of the muscles close to the spine.

Symptoms

Pain on movement is the most obvious symptom. Usually there is a comfortable position to sit or stand in to minimise the pain.

If the lower back is the problem then "crook lying" is usually the most comfortable position as the low back muscles are not having to work and the rotation of the pelvis by bending the knees alleviates the stress at the lumbar spine (see picture).



Treatment

Before undertaking treatment, it is essential to identify the injury as a muscle spasm and not a tear, slipped disk or crushed nerve. A therapist should be able to diagnose, treat and prescribe rehabilitation.

Treatment of a muscle spasm involves the application of heat to the area. Lots of massage also works wonders. Spasms often occur with the more serious conditions of a slipped vertebral disk, and this must only be treated by a professional.

Overcoming ankle injuries

A common ankle injury is a strained or torn anterior talo-fibular ligament, which occurs when the foot turns inwards under force.

Symptoms

Weight-bearing activities such as walking are painful, with swelling and instability being the most noticeable symptoms. The degree of pain is dependent on the degree of damage.

Physiotherapists will grade the damage from a sprain (Grade 0) to minor ligament tear (Grade I), partial rupture (Grade II) and, ultimately, a complete tear (Grade III).

A physiotherapist will be able to assess the degree of damage once the primary symptoms (swelling and pain) have reduced.

Treatment

The immediate treatment for an ankle injury is RICE. The primary function of this treatment is to reduce swelling and pain. When these are reduced you can start remedial rehabilitation.

When the injury occurs, do not remove the boot/sock of the player. But, instead, pack the ice around it as much as possible and put a compression bandage around the foot and boot. The boot helps to give compression and reduce the swelling.

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