Classifying Injuries
Direct Injuries are sustained through a direct external force causing injury at the point of contact with the injured player
What is a tear?
Damage to the muscle or tendon caused by overstretching muscle fibres causing some or all of the fibres to tear
What is a skin abrasion?
Commonly known as a graze is a scraping or tearing away of the skin
What is a simple fracture?
Where a bone breaks but doesn't break the surface
What is a Indirect Injury? Provide an example
An Indirect Injury is caused through either excessive or repetitive internal forces that damage the tissue or body part. E.g. A sprinter straining his hamstring
What is a sprain?
Provide an example
A sprain is caused when a joitn is forced beyond its normal range of motion
e.g. ACL sprain
What is a laceration?
Provide an example
A deep cut or irregular tear to the skin resulting from an external force
E.g. Head clash in NRL
What is a compound fracture?
A broken bone that breaks the surface of the skin, causing an open wound
What is the definition of a soft tissue injury? Provide 2 examples
Soft tissue injuries involve damage to the muscles, tendons and ligaments, fascia, nerves, fat, blood vessels and synovial membranes
E.g. Torn Hamstring, Snapped ACL
What is a contusion?
When capillaries (blood vessels) are ruptured causing internal bleeding.
What is a blister?
Provide an example of where one may get a blister
A blister is caused by friction or burning that leads to a build up of serum in the skin
Rubbing from a soccer boot
What is a complex fracture?
Where a broken bone causes damage to nerves, organs or blood vessels
Hard tissue injuries involve the skeletal systemand describe damage to the bone, teeth and cartiledge
E.g. Smashed teeth, broken metacarpal, herniated disc
Name all 5 steps of RICER
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral
How many phases of the inflammatory response are there?
3
What is a dislocation?
Where the two bone seperate from its original housing
What is the definition an overuse injury?
provide an example from a tennis player
An overuse injury is injuries developed from repetitive or continuous tasks, incorrect technique or overtraining.
Example: Tendonitis in elbow
R – Rest
Stop the player from continuing to play.
Have them sit or lie down comfortably to avoid putting weight on the injured ankle.
Minimise movement to prevent further damage to the soft tissue.
I – Ice
Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the ankle immediately.
Use for 20 minutes every 2 hours during the first 48–72 hours after the injury.
Always wrap the ice in a cloth or towel to avoid ice burns.
C – Compression
Use an elastic bandage or compression wrap around the ankle to help reduce swelling.
Ensure it’s firm but not too tight – it should not cut off circulation or cause numbness.
E – Elevation
Raise the injured ankle above heart level as much as possible.
This helps reduce swelling by allowing fluids to drain away from the injury site.
Use a pillow or cushion to support the leg while lying down.
R – Referral
Seek medical attention to assess the severity of the injury.
A doctor or physiotherapist may recommend further treatment, such as x-rays or rehabilitation exercises.
This step ensures appropriate recovery and prevents long-term damage.
Name each stage of the inflammatory response and what happens in each phase
1. Inflammatory Phase (0–72 hours after injury)
What it does: The body’s immediate response to injury.
Purpose: Increases blood flow to the area, bringing white blood cells to fight infection and begin cleaning up damaged tissue. Swelling, redness, heat, and pain are common in this phase.
2. Repair Phase (2 days to 6 weeks)
What it does: The body starts repairing damaged tissue.
Purpose: New tissue (scar tissue) begins forming. Fibroblasts produce collagen to rebuild the structure, though the tissue is still weak and vulnerable.
3. Remodelling Phase (3 weeks to several months)
What it does: The new tissue is strengthened and reorganised.
Purpose: Collagen is aligned according to stress placed on the tissue, restoring function, strength, and flexibility to the injured area.
What is TOTAPS
Talk, Observe, Touch, Active Movement, Passive Movement, Skills Test