CLASSIFICATIONS OF SPORTS INJURIES

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Direct injuries are those that are caused by an external force which acts upon the body. This includes having direct contact with an object such as a hockey stick, another person or contact with a surface. Examples of direct injuries can include a bone fracture from the impact of a cricket ball or a contusion (bruise) from a 'cork' where the knee collides with the body.

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An indirect injury differs to a direct injury as it is one that is caused by an internal force within the body. This could come as a result of an un - natural muscle action or extreme force on a joint. Examples of indirect injuries include dislocations from performing movements incorrectly or a strain in the hamstring from over stretching the muscle. (PDHPE.net (n.d). Direct and indirect injuries. Online at https://www.pdhpe.net/sports-medicine).

Soft tissue injuries are generally injuries to ligaments, tendons or muscles. Mild soft tissue injuries can be treated with the RICER method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral) however severe sprains and strains require surgery to repair torn ligaments, tendons and muscles. Severe soft tissue injuries may never heal back to the way they were prior to the injury. The build - up of scar tissue that limits the blood supply to the injured area may affect the range of motion and may be a contributing factor to any long – lasting effects of a soft tissue injury. 

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Hard tissue injuries are generally bone fractures (broken bones). Bone fractures often take significant time to heal because there is a relatively low blood supply to hard tissue. Fortunately, most broken bones when treated properly, heal without additional complications. (PDHPE.net (n.d). Soft and hard tissue injuries. Online at https://www.pdhpe.net/sports-medicine).

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Overuse injuries are subtle and worsen over an extended period of time. They come as a result of repetitive impact that causes trauma to a bone, muscle or tendon. Training errors are the most common cause of overuse injuries. Errors can include a rapid acceleration of training intensity, duration or frequency. Overuse injuries can also occur with athletes returning from an injury that is not fully healed. (PDHPE.net (n.d). Overuse injuries. Online at https://www.pdhpe.net/sports-medicine).