Rugby League Week - On a knife's edge

Surgerys performed in an NRL club were tracked over 10 years. Read on to learn about predominant procedures, when they are performed and how players recover. This article was originally published in Rugby League Week on 2nd September 2009.

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Inside Football - Natural High

Used by elite individual athletes for decades, altitude training and the use of a simulated hypoxic (reduced oxygen) environment at sea level are relatively new to Australian Rules Football. While Collingwood have repeatedly travelled to altitude, players from some other clubs are experiencing a simulated altitude environment at home while sleeping, but are training at sea level. Which is more effective and what are the benefits for players? Read on to find out more.

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AFL Record - Hyperbaric Chamber

Clubs need injured players at full fitness and back on the park asap. When Fevola bruised his heel early in 2009, he underwent hyperbaric oxygen treatment in an effort to assist the healing of this injury. Football clubs are interested in the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its potential for the treatment of muscle, tendon and ligament injuries as it is considered to reduce swelling,prevent infection, reduce pain and promote healing. Read on to find out the theory behind how this treatment could be effecting in assisting the healing of injuries.

This article was originally published in the Football Record, round 15, 2009.

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Inside Football - Feeling no pain

On average, 8 AFL players per club are unavailable for selection each week due to injury, that's 20% of the playing list. Where possible, injured players will 'take the needle', an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the pain of a mild sprain or painful joint, to enable them to take the field for their team. Read on to find out more about this very common practice in the AFL.

This article was originally featured in Inside Football on 24th June, 2009

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AFL Record - Osteitis Pubis

Osteitis Pubis can be a career ending injury in AFL. Characterised by chronic pain at the pubic bone and surrounding areas of the groin, if left untreated a player can begin to lose agility, kicking power and speed. Initially pain may not be felt all the time. Players need to be aware of the symptoms and respond quickly to avoid this debilitating injury affecting their career longevity.

This article was originally published in the AFL Record, Roung 12 2009.

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AFL Record - Why taping is a necessity

An AFL club can use up to 37 kilometres of tape in a year, that’s about 1 km of tape per listed player. Taping is not cheap for clubs; an annual taping bill can run into the tens of thousands. Ankles and thumbs are most commonly taped, some clubs enforce compulsory taping of ankles at training and on game day, other clubs go by player need and injury history. The interesting thing about this practice is that it is not strongly supported by scientific research. Read on to find out why this is such a ubiquitous practice in the AFL.

This article was originally published in the AFL Record in Round 9, 2009.

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Inside Football - The Science of Form

The training and playing load for AFL players needs to be monitored very closely to keep players in optimal health, thus enabling them to maintain peak performance. Under the guidance of Sports Science Director Dr. David Buttifant, Collingwood Football Club employ many strategies to manage this comprehensive task. Read on to learn more.

This article was originally published in Inside Football on April 12, 2009.

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