Injuries - time for an assessment

langham

First Team
Stats show that we're way up on injuries compared to other PL clubs. Why?

One of my close friends is a sports injuries doctor who's treated professionals at the top level. He thinks we may be "over-training", especially the most skilful players who rely on quick turns and exceptional athletic ability which puts a strain on muscles and ligaments, and especially on joints.

Did we overdo pre-season last year? Eddie made clear he wanted a fast start to the season - and he got one. But then the injuries began - a list that grew as the season went on. Did we pay a price for very vigorous sessions that left players literally extended, with breakdowns in training as well as the usual injuries in competitive games?

I hope the club is looking at the training regime. This season could have been exceptional if we hadn't lost players week after week. Thoughts?
 
The number of knee injuries we seem to have gotten over the years feels very odd. But we're told the club have looked into it?
 
This has been discussed in the past on here and the old R & B website.

I have always thought playing in flashy boots that are more like slippers with little or no protection and come off easy was one of the problems.

Yes you can probably move quicker in the modern football boot and they look more flashy than the old style which had supports around the ankles and couldn’t come off.

Here below is an article from just under two years ago.


Various theories include players' changing physiologies, the amount of football played, footwear, and modern, harder pitches.

Dr Bilal Barkatali, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in sports knee injuries, suggests overplaying and fatigue is the key reason, particularly in high-level footballers.

Colin Martin, a footwear expert for a company that has worked with several sports clubs, says "softer, less supportive boots" are a factor, as is the pace of the game "increasing vastly".

"The two combined probably plays a big role in increased injury rates," adds Martin, who designs inserts that give "more stability to foot and ankle, which in turn means the player has a more solid foundation to work from".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40679002
 
Stats show that we're way up on injuries compared to other PL clubs. Why?

One of my close friends is a sports injuries doctor who's treated professionals at the top level. He thinks we may be "over-training", especially the most skilful players who rely on quick turns and exceptional athletic ability which puts a strain on muscles and ligaments, and especially on joints.

Did we overdo pre-season last year? Eddie made clear he wanted a fast start to the season - and he got one. But then the injuries began - a list that grew as the season went on. Did we pay a price for very vigorous sessions that left players literally extended, with breakdowns in training as well as the usual injuries in competitive games?

I hope the club is looking at the training regime. This season could have been exceptional if we hadn't lost players week after week. Thoughts?

They are playing to the limits of their ability and strength. Every muscle and sinew is strained, as you say, and their bones take heavy knocks. Let's just hope that their strength and conditioning training delivers what's required and that they get the rest they need between training and games. It's all vital. Prevention is better than cure, so every part of the body but especially tendons and muscles, need incredible attention to be able to handle the rigours of the modern game.
 
Wonder if our new style of play is affecting this. When you play on the counter you are doing a lot of explosive bursts. You are also more likely to be a victim of hacking.
 
You see some players with the most elaborate strapping on their thighs and knees. Does it help or just put a strain on somewhere else? Sports science has come a long way but is it working at AFCB?
 
I wonder what he will say next season when they are unlucky enough to lose four main players through long term injuries?

There may be something in training methods etc. and I'm sure they are looking into it given how it's probably cost millions, but as you say surely it's a lot about luck too. I expect Wolves will have a difficult season with injuries next season.
 
Stats show that we're way up on injuries compared to other PL clubs. Why?

One of my close friends is a sports injuries doctor who's treated professionals at the top level. He thinks we may be "over-training", especially the most skilful players who rely on quick turns and exceptional athletic ability which puts a strain on muscles and ligaments, and especially on joints.

Did we overdo pre-season last year? Eddie made clear he wanted a fast start to the season - and he got one. But then the injuries began - a list that grew as the season went on. Did we pay a price for very vigorous sessions that left players literally extended, with breakdowns in training as well as the usual injuries in competitive games?

I hope the club is looking at the training regime. This season could have been exceptional if we hadn't lost players week after week. Thoughts?

We were actually way down on the stats until the back end of last year. Then we seemed to get a flood all at once. It might be something related to the type of training or lack of particular conditioning exercises combined with the winter weather - either cold temperatures or soft/ hard ground.

Either that or it's just bad luck
 
I recall Eddie being asked about this in an interview several months ago, and he replied that they definitely look at that, but that their situation isn't outside the realm of the normal so they're not too worried.
In any case, there's no doubt the club have done the statistical analysis to see if their injury rate warrants further scrutiny.
The problem is that, statistically, one team over one season is a pretty small sample for statistical analysis.
 
Adam Smith in the Echo today (May 15) on injuries to the squad: “I don’t want to make excuses but [injury] is a big reason why we didn’t have the consistency ... It needs to be looked at maybe next season about why we had so many injuries.

“At the peak of my career and I am picking up injuries. I know other players are frustrated with it as well.

“You are never going to pinpoint why we have had so many injuries this season but, hopefully, if we look at it and find some reasons why we have had so many.”

Let's hope the club has a serious analysis of the training regime, the demands on players and the cumulative effect during the season.

https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/s...-star-adam-smith-sick-of-sides-inconsistency/
 
We also play our players less than other teams. They have far less fatigue and limb stress as they really only play league games and get two breaks a season to sun themselves abroad.

When you read between the lines of what Smithy is saying it says a lot.

Once again it points to me to bring in a senior coach with Premier League experience.
 
I love your reports to bits Neil but the status of whatever league someone has been involved with could be misleading. Mr Wenger for one had no Premier League experience and he did OK. Eddie had zero experience when he took on the job 10 years ago. In all honesty who would ever though JT could mastermind free kicks etc it certainly wasn't obvious when he was playing nor when he was injured.

How many of the 66 team proved any good as managers? etc.

I agree about our injury record. Back along could it have been training at Canford that was wet that was one reason.

It may not be the coaches as such but the fitness guys. Who are we to know?

Experience elsewhere than in the Great Escape 2 now that is an entirely different matter. Too many nice guys too matey could be a problem but once again what do we know because our core strength is greater than any individuals.

Of greater concern is Eddie stating we may not make many changes because that is our style. 70 goals conceded, injuries apart, go back 2 years should we have replaced the old guard of Francis and Danials as an example. I think so and certainly would never have given Francis that contract. We have tried to replace Daniels and so far failed. Yesterdays heroes will always be yesterdays heroes but the team has to evolve and we missed a notch in the process and are now playing catch big time, big money and perhaps big mistakes.
 
We also play our players less than other teams. They have far less fatigue and limb stress as they really only play league games and get two breaks a season to sun themselves abroad.

When you read between the lines of what Smithy is saying it says a lot.

Once again it points to me to bring in a senior coach with Premier League experience.
Wow, thats some lateral guessing there. It says nothing of the sort.
 

;