With the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday 2nd of November, we thought we’d take a closer look at the most common rugby injuries as well as focusing on Acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries.
Common Rugby Injuries – according to Sports Medicine Australia people playing rubgy commonly incur the following injuries:
- Over 50% of injuries reported are minimal or mild, resulting in no lost games
- 50% of Rugby Union injuries are from 4 body parts: shoulder (18%), knee (13%), thigh (12%) and ankle (12%)
- Sprain/strain injuries account for 58% of injuries. The tackle (52%), overexertion and overuse (14.5%) are also common
- Independent studies have shown the tackle is the most frequent cause of injury (>50%), however it is also the most frequent event in Rugby Union. Statistics also indicate the ball carrier is twice as likely to be injured when compared to the tackler
With shoulders (18%) being the most common injury we focus in on the AC Joint.
The Acromioclavicular (AC) joint is part of the shoulder complex and is commonly injured in rugby players by direct impact onto the top of the shoulder – collisions with other players and falling being the primary culprits.
The AC joint is supported by a number of ligaments which stabilises its position. When it collides with an object or another person from above, it is pressed downwards, and these ligaments are damaged. This is known as a sprain.
The severity of the sprain determines the healing time and return to play rate, however there are a number of preventative strategies that are known to decrease the chances of sustaining an AC joint sprain:
- Preseason training: including stability, strengthening, balance, coordination and flexibility building
- Sufficient warm up prior to play
- Wearing protective strapping especially if previous injuries have occurred
- Ensure adequate rest periods between training and play
- Working on your skills and how well you execute them
- Drinking water before, during and after play
- Be aware of signs of injury and know when to ask for help – pain, discomfort and lack of pain free range of motion are red flags
Return to play following an AC joint sprain should be guided by a health care professional. The amount of time taken depends on the severity of the injury.
If you think you have sustained an injury, our friendly team of Physiotherapists and Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) at PROHEALTH PHYSIO & FITNESS are always happy to help you return to play as soon as safely possible.
Please contact our friendly team to discuss.