Badminton Injuries

Top 5 Badminton Injuries

* 1 Sprained Ankle
* 2 Achilles Tendonitis
* 3 Tennis Elbow
* 4 Rotator Cuff Injury
* 5 Patella Tendonitis


What is a Sprained Ankle?

A Sprained Ankle is the single most common injury in Badminton. Some research papers report that ankle sprains account for around half of all injuries in Badminton, although the exact number is unknown.

The rapid changes in direction that are required during Badminton can cause the ankle to roll over, particularly if the player is fatigued. Footwear that 'grips' the surface too much can also cause a Sprained Ankle in Badminton.

A Sprained Ankle refers to damage to the ankle ligaments and other soft tissues around the ankle. The ligament damage causes bleeding within the tissues and an extremely painful swollen ankle.
What can you do to prevent a Sprained Ankle?

Wearing the correct footwear that allows a small amount of 'slide' over the court surface can prevent an ankle twist. Applying an Ankle Brace or Taping the ankle can also help to reduce the risk of a Sprained Ankle. Research from basketball has shown that the injury incidence in people with taped ankles was 4.9 ankle sprains per 1000 participant matches, compared with 2.6 ankle sprains per 1000 participant matches in students wearing Ankle Braces. This compared with 32.8 ankle sprains per 1000 participant matches in subjects who didn't use taping or bracing.
What should you do if you suffer a Sprained Ankle?

Immediately following a Sprained Ankle it is important to follow the RICE protocol - rest, ice, compression and elevation (never apply ice directly to the skin). Ice Therapy can reduce pain but pain-relieving medication may also be necessary. It is important not to put too much weight on the damaged ankle, so a Removable Plastic Cast Walker can be helpful to provide, protection and support and to allow early walking.

Rehabilitation with a Chartered Physiotherapist significantly improves the outcome following a Sprained Ankle. In the later stages of Sprained Ankle rehab Wobble Board training is designed to assist the re-education of balance and proprioception. Research has suggested that patients with ankle instability who underwent Wobble Board training experienced significantly fewer recurrent sprains during a follow-up period than those who did not follow the proprioception training programme.

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles Tendonitis is the common term for pain around the Achilles Tendon and is reported frequently in Badminton players. Achilles Tendonitis usually comes on gradually, and is more common in those aged over 40. There is pain, which is worsened by activity, and the Achilles Tendon is painful to touch. Often the tendon feels very stiff first thing in the morning. The affected tendon may appear thickened in comparison to the unaffected side.

Medical professionals refer to this condition as Achilles Tendinopathy, which is characterised by degeneration of the Achilles Tendon. The degeneration means that the tendon does not possess its normal tensile strength and may be liable to rupture with continued sporting activity. Some researchers report a high incidence of Achilles Tendon Rupture in Badminton players, but overall a rupture of the Achilles Tendon is thankfully a rare injury.
What can you do to prevent Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles Tendonitis is an overuse condition, so sudden increases in activity levels should be avoided. The intensity, duration and frequency of Badminton sessions should be carefully monitored and gradually progressed. Care should be taken if you begin playing more frequently or you begin playing at a higher standard which is physically more demanding, particularly if you are aged over 35.

Research suggests that an 'over pronated' foot position (where the foot rolls inwards) can place excessive strain on the Achilles Tendon and cause Achilles Tendonitis. In this case it is often useful to consult a Chartered Physiotherapist, who can carry out a biomechanical assessment. If there is excessive pronation it is usually effective to insert an Arch Supporting Insole that can help to correct the problem.
What should you do if you suffer Achilles Tendonitis?

Ice Packs are effective at relieving pain, but the key to recovering from Achilles Tendonitis is to elicit a healing response by gently overloading the tendon. This may require rest from Badminton for up to three months, because the collagen tissue which the body produces to repair the damaged tendon takes three months to lay down and mature.

Research has shown that recovery is optimised by using 'eccentric muscle work' under the supervision of a Chartered Physiotherapist. Eccentric muscle work refers to a muscle that is lengthening while contracting - a contraction that occurs during movements such as landing and decelerating. By progressively increasing the eccentric muscle force through the Achilles Tendon, the Achilles Tendon will adapt and get stronger.

The Aircast AirHeel can be very effective in relieving heel pain due to Achilles Tendonitis. By applying compression to the heel and the arch of the foot, the AirHeel relieves strain on the Achilles Tendon and gives rapid relief to those suffering with Achilles Tendonitis.

What is a Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow is inflammation of the tendons of the forearm at the point where they insert into the Humerus (upper arm) bone on the outer side of the elbow. This inflammation is caused by prolonged gripping activities such as when gripping a racquet during Badminton.

Tennis elbow causes pain when the outer part of the elbow (Lateral Epicondyle) is touched, and also if the elbow is straight and the hand is moved forward and back at the wrist. Typically the pain is made worse by gripping activities and in some cases simple things like turning a door handle can cause intense pain.
What can you do to prevent Tennis Elbow?

Gripping the Badminton racquet either too hard or for too long can bring on the Tennis Elbow pain. Make sure the racquet is the correct size for your hand. If it is too small it will cause you to grip to hard. If you play Badminton for the first time in a long while make sure you take regular breaks and stretch the muscles which work over the wrist by doing 'limp wrist' and 'policeman halting traffic' type stretches.

For those who have suffered from Tennis Elbow in the past it may be a good idea to wear a Tennis Elbow Compression Strap. Elbow Straps work by preventing the wrist extensor muscles from contracting fully, thus reducing the strain on the tendons at the elbow.
What should you do if you suffer a Tennis Elbow?

The inflammation of Tennis Elbow can be alleviated with rest and ice therapy or with the use of anti-inflammatory medication or a Corticosteroid injection. However in longstanding cases, where there is degeneration of the extensor tendons, anti-inflammatory medication, especially Corticosteroid injections, should be avoided. This is because they can hinder tissue healing and in fact cause more degeneration.

Tennis Elbow rehabilitation is achieved using an eccentric strengthening programme for the extensor tendons. It's crucial that the load and number of repetitions are carefully recorded and progressively increased under the supervision of a Chartered Physiotherapist. This ensures that the overload on the tendon is carefully controlled and gradually increased.

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Shoulder pain can occur in Badminton players because there are repeated shoulder stresses during Badminton, particularly the overhead shots. The Rotator Cuff muscles (Subscapularis, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus and Teres Minor) are small muscles situated around the shoulder joint, which can become damaged during the stresses of Badminton.

Typically, Rotator Cuff injuries will begin as inflammation (Tendonitis) caused by small but continuous irritation. If the cause of the inflammation is not addressed, and continues over a long period of time, partial tears may develop in the cuff that could eventually become a tear all the way through one or more of the Rotator Cuff muscles.
What can you do to prevent a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Badminton players must pay attention to flexibility, strength and endurance of the shoulder muscles. Shoulder stabilisation exercises under the supervision of a Chartered Physiotherapist can also help prevent pressure on the Rotator Cuff tendons.

In addition, any increases in the amount of training or competition must be gradual so as not to overload the Rotator Cuff muscles. In particular repetitions of the smash shot should be increased gradually to allow the Rotator Cuff tendons to adapt.
What should you do if you suffer a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Physiotherapy treatment is effective in treating acute (short-term) inflammation and chronic (long-term) degeneration of the cuff where a tear is not present. The first aim of treatment is to reduce the amount of inflammation using Ice Therapy (never apply ice directly to the skin) and anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by a doctor.

Anti-Inflammatory Gel may be more appropriate where anti-inflammatory tablets are not well tolerated. For those who want to continue with Badminton activities a Neoprene Shoulder Support can provide support and reassurance.

What is Patella Tendonitis?

Patella Tendonitis is degeneration of the Patella Tendon, which is located just below the knee cap. Patella Tendonitis is also known as 'Jumpers Knee'. Typically knee pain comes on gradually during jumping and landing during Badminton. Over time, the strain on the Patella Tendon becomes too great and microscopic damage develops in the tissue that makes up the tendon.

Patella Tendonitis causes pain in the tendon which is worsened by activity. The areas of degeneration feel tender to touch. Often the tendon feels very stiff first thing in the morning. The affected tendon may appear thickened in comparison to the unaffected side.
What can you do to prevent Patella Tendonitis?

Increases in the amount of Badminton practise must be gradual so as not to overload the Patella Tendon. In particular repetitions of jumping and landing should be increased gradually to allow the Patella Tendon to adapt.

Early recognition of Patella Tendonitis by a doctor or Chartered Physiotherapist helps greatly, because the outcome is better if treatment is initiated early. In minor cases of Patella Tendonitis a Patella Tendon Strap can be effective in relieving symptoms by reducing the cross sectional area of the tendon, the pressure applied by the Patella Tendon strap prevents maximal force being transmitted through the tendon. This reduces the strain on the Patella Tendon and helps to alleviate symptoms during Badminton.
What should you do if you suffer Patella Tendonitis?

Increases in the amount of Badminton practise must be gradual so as not to overload the Patella Tendon. In particular, repetitions of jumping and landing should be increased gradually to allow the Patella Tendon to adapt.

Early recognition of Patella Tendonitis by a doctor or Chartered Physiotherapist helps greatly, because the outcome is better if treatment is initiated early. In minor cases of Patella Tendonitis a Patella Tendon Strap can be effective in relieving symptoms b y reducing the cross sectional area of the tendon, the pressure applied by the Patella Tendon Strap prevents maximal force being transmitted through the tendon. This reduces the strain on the Patella Tendon and helps to alleviate symptoms during Badminton.

Benefits of Playing Badminton

It is a well-known fact that indulging in aerobic sports activity like badminton gives multiple health benefits and promotes longevity.



In fact it has been found that playing badminton till you get an increase in heart rate or mild breathlessness regularly in middle age lowers the risk of death by about 23% in the subsequent 20 years and improves longevity by at least 2 years. The optimal health benefits are achieved by playing badminton for at least 30 minutes a day after adequate warm up.

The main health benefit is reduction of bad cholesterol and increase in good cholesterol with regular badminton play. In our body, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) are bad cholesterols and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the only good cholesterol.

Playing badminton regularly increases the levels of HDL good cholesterol while decreasing the levels of bad cholesterols. As bad cholesterols decrease the size of blood vessels promoting heart attacks and strokes, reduction in their levels translates into multiple health benefits for the individual.

Playing regular badminton conditions the body so that the basal heart rate drops a few beats per minute and blood pressure is reduced. Both these effects are helpful in hypertensive individuals. It may help them to ward off their hypertension without medicines and even if they are needed, only fewer amounts are required.

Another particular health benefit of playing regular badminton is protection from heart disease, especially heart attacks. Playing badminton conditions and strengthens the heart muscle besides reducing hypertension and keeping blood vessels from clogging as we have seen earlier. Even people with pre-existing heart disease can benefit by playing badminton within their endurance levels under medical supervision and advise.

Regular indulgence in badminton helps overweight people to reduce their weight and attain optimal weight for their height and age. This effect is due to the excess calories burnt during playing badminton which prevents them from accumulating as fat and increasing the individual's weight.

Moreover, the existing fat deposits are also mobilized to produce energy while playing badminton. But for achieving optimal weight loss, it has to be combined with diet modification as well.

Osteoporosis is a troublesome problem especially in the elderly and women after menopause. It occurs because the bones loose their density due to complex interactions between the body hormones, bone forming and bone dissolving cells. Individuals with osteoporosis can easily sustain fractures because of reduced bone strength to withstand stress and injury.

Osteoporosis can be prevented or delayed by regularly playing badminton, as physical activity is one major factor that prevents osteoporosis, irrespective of the age and sex of the individual. Playing badminton promotes the activity of the bone forming cells and help in the assimilation of calcium in the bone matrix, thereby strengthening it.

Additional health benefit of playing regular badminton is reduced incidence of cancers like cancer of the large bowel and cancer of breast.

Finally, playing badminton keeps you feeling well, strong, motivated, enthusiastic and young. It helps to ward off depression, anxiety, stress and increase self-esteem. It also helps in enjoying a better sleep in the night, thereby minimizing the incidence of pre-existing illnesses getting aggravated due to lack of sleep.

The perioperative nurse

The perioperative nurse that functions as a Circulating RN
in the operating room performs sharps, sponge, and instrument
counts per policy with the scrub tech or scrub nurse. She
implements the safe transfer of the patient to and from the
OR bed and ensures that the side rails and safety straps are
used appropriately.

Before the patient enters the OR suite the chart is checked for
surgical and anesthesia consents, allergies, history and physical
physician's preoperative orders, laboratory, electrocardiogram
values, x-ray reports, correct patient name, number and surgical
procedure and NPO status. This information is then verified
with the patient and after proper verification the patient is
taken into the OR suite. Accurate and effective verification of
information and documentation of same is necessary on the
surgical record, charge slips, quality assurance monitors and
lab slips. Patient confidentiality is maintained and patient
information is communicated only as needed to provide continuity
of care. The dignity of the patient is protected by providing
as much physical protection as possible.

The Circulating RN is responsible for positioning of the
patient using proper body alignment and body mechanics and
demonstrates proper positioning of the patient on the OR
equipment that is appropriate to the operative procedure
(beach chair, stirrups for lithotomy position, hip table,etc.).
The nurse maintains the patient's skin integrity and ensures
that clothing and bedding are clean and dry, uses proper techniques
when prepping the surgical site and adjusts bedding and clothing
by lifting rather than using shearing force. The apropriate
dressing is applied when the operative procedure is finished
and at that time the RN provides equipment for transporting
the patient and supplying any equipment needed for airway
maintenance during transport of the patient ( i.e. portable
O2, ambubag, portable monitors, nasal airway).

Demonstration of competency to create and maintain the sterile
field and the use of universal precautions and the recommended
hand wash for scrubbing for operative procedures is followed
per policy.

The perioperative Circulating RN checks sterility of items
to be used during the operative procedure by verifying the
expiration date, package integrity and by the sterile indicator
color change. Sterility is maintained when opening sterile items
and moniting of draping and the sterile field for breaks
in technique or sterility. If a break in sterility or technique
occurs, corrective action is taken to correct the break.

Other competencies are opening instruments and sterile supplies
using sterile technique to the back table of the scrub, pouring
sterile solutions into sterile containers, adjusting the OR
lights, preparing labels and taking care of specimens per policy,
remaining with the patient during induction of anesthesia
and assisting anesthesia with the induction, assisting with
gowning of surgical team members, anticipating needs of the
surgical team members and supplying items as needed, sending for
the next patient in a timely manner and perparing for
subsequent procedures.

Lastly, I would like to direct this to my fellow OR nurses.
I think that we will all agree that we want to be the best
that we can be...to be the best of the best. I feel that we can
only do this if we are knowledgable in our professional specialty
and are always reaching out to learn more because in these times,
"technology" is taking us on a very fast ride.

Join AORN (Association of Operating Room Nurses) and become
a CNOR (Certified Nurse of the Operating Room).
I have been a member of AORN since 1992 and that is also the
year that I passed the CNOR exam. When I sign a document
with my name I do it proudly when I sign it with the title "RN,CNOR".
It is not only to your advantage but to the
advantage of every patient that you care for, every doctor
that you come into contact and work with and to the advantage
of your team mates in the OR. Read your journals, take the CEU
tests, never stop learning....strive to be the best that you can be.

Perioperative Nurse

Roles of the Perioperative Nurse

Perioperative NursePerioperative nursing is a specialized area of nursing practice. As a fundamental member of the surgical team, the perioperative registered nurse works in collaboration with other health care professionals which may include the surgeon, circulating nurse, anesthesia provider, surgical assistant, and other assistive personnel. The perioperative registered nurse provides nursing care to surgical patients preoperatively, intra operatively, and postoperatively.

The perioperative nurse plans and directs nursing care for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures. Perioperative RNs work in all types of health care facilities, such as hospitals, ambulatory or outpatient surgery centers, and physician offices.

There are several roles that the perioperative nurse fills to ensure quality patient care in the operating room.

Circulator Nurse
The circulator is responsible for managing the nursing care of the patient within the OR and coordinating the needs of the surgical team with other care providers necessary for completion of surgery. The circulator nurse observes the surgery and the surgical team from a broad perspective and assists the team to create and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for the patient. The circulator nurse assesses the patient's condition before, during, and after the operation to ensure an optimal outcome for the patient. Circulating during surgery is a perioperative nursing function. The role of the circulator may not be delegated to a UAP, Licensed Practice Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse.

In the operating room, most patients are anesthetized or sedated and are powerless to make decisions on their own behalf during the intraoperative phase. The circulating nurse serves as the patient advocate while the patient is least able to care for him or herself.

OR Director
The OR director manages the business of the facility's ORs. The OR director oversees and is responsible for budgets, staffing, supplies, scheduling, and other areas that keep the OR running.


Scrub Nurse
The scrub nurse works directly with the surgeon within the sterile field, passing instruments, sponges, and other items needed during the procedure. Surgical team members who work within the sterile field have scrubbed their hands and arms with special disinfecting soap and generally wear surgical gowns, caps, eyewear, and gloves. This is a nursing role that may be delegated to a UAP, LPN or LVN.

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)
The RNFA has gone through additional extensive education and training to deliver surgical care. The RNFA directly assists the surgeon by controlling bleeding, using instruments/medical devices, handling and cutting tissue, and suturing during the procedure. The RNFA may also be involved with patient care before and after surgery.

Patient Educator
The perioperative RN educator works with the patient and assists his or her family members in providing information to enable the patient to make informed decisions regarding surgical care and treatment.