Dr. Ketan, Masters in Orthopedic and Sports Physiotherapy spoke exclusively to Herald on the hazards and precautions that players need to take.
Cricket injuries have been demonstrated to occur at a phenomenal rate as the cash rich sport has increased its pace, hazards and expectations from players have all increased over time.
At any given time around 9 per cent of cricketers have an injury according to a census report. That rate is significantly higher in fast bowlers. In addition, there are very different physical demands involved in different types of cricket.
“Bowlers are more prone to injuries such as slap tear, rotator injuries, side strain, ligament injuries, specially the knee and sprained ankle,” explained Dr Ketan.
Low back pain is particularly prevalent among younger fast bowlers. The repetitive action of bowling for long spells places excessive stress on the tissues of the lower back, where stress fractures of the vertebra (spondylolysis) can develop.
The injury profile would slightly differ in five day Test matches and one day matches. The launch of Twenty20 cricket has put the pressure on the cricketers to perform placing a new physical requirement on cricketers. It would be premature to dissect the effects due to these demands.
Dr Ketan who has been the physio for super six cricket matches for the Super starts, is the first doctor in Goa to introduce Aqua- therapy.
Muscle injuries such as hamstring strains and side abdominal strains are the most common cricket injuries. These injuries are due to the functional demands of the sport where occasional sprinting and ball throwing may be repeated across a seven hour day.
Dr. Ketan, who hails from Ponda, owns the SPARC (Sports Physiotherapy Aqua Rehab.Centre) at Ponda which provides sports persons with comprehensive treatment methods.
“This is the first for Ponda. Earlier players needed to travel to Panjim and other areas for treatment but now Ponda cricket clubs can avail of treatments here,” informed Dr. Ketan.
Sports injuries are part of players’ lifestyle and they need to live with some of the injuries for a very long time. But Physiotherapy is a branch of modern medical science which includes examination and treatment.
“I began the whole centre on my own. I was encouraged by well wishers and hence I came out with the Sports Rehab Centre. Prominent sports personalities have been treated at my centre,” said Dr. Ketan.
At SPARC treatment is done without the use of any medicines. Physiotherapy cures injuries. Treatments, such as, Aqua – therapy , Laser and Matrix therapy are available.
Dr Ketan has also been the Head Physiotherapist for football unity world cup 2015, where he worked with football teams of India, Brazil, Portugal, Ghana, Columbia, Uzbekistan, Nigeria.
