Tackle the World Cup in winning shape

Disclaimer: This blog contains archived material and quotes from communications originally produced by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). The original press release, titled “Physio guide to avoiding ‘metatarsal madness’ and ‘hamstring hell’ – World Cup Survival Guide,” is no longer publicly available. Content reflects CSP campaigns featuring physiotherapist Sammy Margo.

Physio guide to avoiding ‘metatarsal madness’ and ‘hamstring hell’

Tackle the World Cup in winning shape

Physio guide to avoiding ‘metatarsal madness’ and ‘hamstring hell’ – www.csp.org.uk/worldcup

With the World Cup kick-off just around the corner, England fans everywhere are buffing their boots and using jumpers for goalposts as football fever grips the nation.

As hoards of unfit fans head to their local parks to emulate their World Cup heroes, chartered physiotherapists are bracing themselves for a steady flow of broken metatarsals, twisted ankles and torn hamstrings.

After a winter spent watching the footie from the comfort of their armchairs, physios want to see fans taking some healthy exercise this summer, but they are warning that wannabe Beckhams and Owens run the risk of ‘doing a Rooney’ - unless they play safely.

Keeping fans on the ball

To keep fans in match winning form, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has teamed up with Sammy Margo – who’s treated some of the biggest names in professional football – to offer top tips on how to avoid becoming a World Cup casualty.

Sammy says, ‘Injuries are a fact of life for footballers. Just look at what happened to Wayne Rooney!

‘It’s not just the pros who are prone to problems. Out of shape England fans who head out for a kick around after watching Sven’s boys on TV are at risk of suffering the same injuries as the stars.’

Fans can find out more about the injuries that have crocked England stars in the past and learn how they can avoid the treatment table by checking out the CSP’s World Cup Survival Guide at: http://www.csp.org.uk/worldcup from June 6.

The online guide covers ‘metatarsal madness’, ‘hamstring hell’, ‘ankle aggro’ and much more.

The World Cup Survival Guide lists a ‘First XI’ of football injuries. They are:

1. Shoulder shocker 2. Hamstring hell 3. Ankle aggro 4. Groin grief 5. Dreaded dead-leg 6. Knee nightmare 7. Sore shins 8. Killer cramp 9. Post-match pain 10. Metatarsal madness 11. Winded and wounded

Source: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), Archived Press Materials.