Safeguarding Yourself in the Game: A Guide to Common Rugby Injuries
Rugby, a sport that demands unyielding toughness and determination, stands as one of the most physically demanding contact sports on the planet. Unlike American football, rugby players don’t have the luxury of donning pads, helmets, or gloves to shield them from the bone-jarring impacts that regularly occur in the scrum. Consequently, rugby injuries are an inherent part of the game, regardless of whether the play is smooth or rough.
In this blog, we’ll delve into three of the most common rugby injuries and discuss not only how they occur but also the measures you can take to prevent them, and how to address them when they inevitably arise.
3. Thigh Hematoma: Bruises That Run Deep
A thigh hematoma, often described as a “dead leg,” is like a severe bruise, triggered by a direct impact that damages blood vessels in the thigh. This, in turn, leads to the accumulation of blood in the affected area, creating a painful clot.
Treatment: When a hit leaves you with a hematoma (deep bruise), it’s time for R.I.C.E. – Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. The broader strategy for avoiding hematoma is to focus on your diet and consider anti-inflammatory supplements* to fortify your body and minimize the risk of injury. However, the ultimate prevention comes in the form of avoiding hard-hitting collisions on the field. D3O® sheets are a perfect underwrap solution to add a layer of extra protection over a bruise on the sidelines.
* Always be sure to check with your doctor before adding supplements to your health and wellness routine.
2. Hamstring Injury: The Sprinter's Nightmare
Hamstring injuries can manifest for various reasons, whether it’s due to inadequate warm-up, overly tight muscles, overworking tired muscles, or stretching beyond your limit. These injuries can be challenging, especially for the most active athletes among us, as recovery often necessitates conditioning training and rehabilitation.
Prevention: Stretching is your best friend when it comes to preventing hamstring injuries. Ensuring flexibility and employing appropriate weight lifting techniques can fortify these crucial muscles. If an injury occurs, surgery is rarely required. Instead, the R.I.C.E. method comes to the rescue again: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Accelerate your recovery and add extra support to strained muscles and tendons with GameBreaker Kinesiology Tape, available in a wide range of colors.
1. Concussion: Safeguarding the Gray Matter
In a sport as intense as rugby, concussions are a prevalent and grave concern. A single blow to the head, whether mild or severe, can trigger a concussion, a condition that has short-term and potentially hazardous long-term consequences, particularly when multiple concussions happen in rapid succession. It’s estimated that up to 72% of Rugby players experience at least 1 injury related to rugby during a competitive season.
Prevention: Impact is a constant in rugby, but you can mitigate the risk with certified and approved soft rugby headgear from GameBreaker. While rugby concussions are difficult to avoid, GameBreaker-PRO 5-Star rated headgear can significantly reduce the force of impacts that can cause concussions and more severe TBI. As for treatment, rest is crucial, and so is consulting a medical professional before returning to play.
Concussion can lead to long term risks, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you are experiencing dizziness, disorientation, exhibit slurred speech, or are having trouble staying conscious after an impact seek medical attention immediately. It’s also advisable to unplug from high-sensory technology and limit television exposure to prevent overstimulation during recovery.
Rugby: A Game of Grit and Strategy
Rugby is a sport that demands toughness and resilience, but that doesn’t mean you have to ignore safety. By understanding these common rugby injuries and taking preventive measures, you can enjoy a long and prosperous rugby career. To further safeguard yourself from the risk of concussions, explore GameBreaker’s certified soft rugby headgear, which out performs the average rugby scrum cap. Our headgear is designed to reduce the impact of head injuries, ensuring that you can continue to play the game you love, safely. Learn more about GameBreaker soft shell rugby headgear here.