Understanding Hurling and Common Injuries: A Physiotherapist’s Perspective
Our physiotherapist Matthew Freaney is an expert on all things Hurling, so we thought we’d ask him about the game and the types of injuries players face. Matthew supports the GAA Hurling team at matches and with follow-ups at our Bank clinic.
Matthew Freaney in action on the Hurling Pitch
What is Hurling?
Hurling, one of Ireland’s oldest and most exciting games, is a fast-paced, dynamic sport that combines skill, speed, and strategy. Played with a wooden stick called a hurley and a small ball known as a sliotar, it requires players to exhibit a unique blend of athleticism, agility, and strength. As someone who’s involved in the sport both as a player and a physiotherapist, I’ve seen firsthand the types of injuries that are common in hurling and how physiotherapy plays a crucial role in recovery and prevention.
Common Injuries in Hurling
Hurling places a significant strain on players’ bodies due to the combination of high-speed running, explosive movements, and physical contact. Here are some of the most common injuries we see in hurling:
Upper Limb Injuries
Shoulder Injuries: ACJ sprains are common due to the fact that you can shoulder charge another player (as long as it’s ‘shoulder to shoulder’). Shoulder dislocations are surprisingly not that common but we do see them all the same. A lot of these end up requiring surgical intervention, especially in the younger athlete.
Wrist and hand injuries: Fractures to the thumb and fingers are common but players seem to have the mindset that as soon as the cast is removed, they’re good to go. Significant ligament injuries are also common but players tend to strap these up and get on with it. Dislocations of finger joints are also common but often players will pull these pack into place themselves and buddy strap it to the next finger.
Lower Limb Injuries
The lower limbs are not spared in hurling, as players need to maintain balance, run at high speeds, and perform quick direction changes, all of which place strain on the legs and feet.
Ankle Sprains: Quick direction changes, rapid acceleration, and tackles often lead to ankle sprains. A lateral ankle sprain, where the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle stretch or tear, is particularly common in hurling due to the unpredictable nature of the game. These are usually strapped up for the player and can be rehabbed quite well with balance, proprioceptive and strength work.
Knee Injuries: The high-intensity running, combined with jumping and cutting movements, increases the risk of knee injuries. One of the most significant concerns is an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury. The ACL is responsible for stabilising the knee during activities involving sudden changes in direction. A rupture of this ligament, often resulting from changing direction, can sideline players for months and usually requires surgery.
Tendonopathies: Both achilles and patellar tendonopathies are common injuries seen in hurling, which usually occurs due to an increase in training load. Players often play through these due to the fact that tendons warm-up and you don’t feel the pain so much at the time. They pay for it later though, often setting themselves back in the long-term.
Muscle Injuries
Muscle injuries are common in athletes who engage in high-intensity sports like hurling, where players are constantly pushing their limits physically. Some of the most frequent muscle injuries include:
Hamstring Strains: The hamstrings are heavily involved in running, especially during sprints and sudden stops. A hamstring strain occurs when the muscle is either overstretched or overloaded during high speed sprinting. Nordic curls and high speed running 1-2 times per week are highly effective in reducing the risk of this injury.
Groin Strain: The groin muscles are essential for lateral movements, which are frequent in hurling. Copenhagens are a great exercise to prevent these!
Calf Strain: Similar to the hamstrings, the calf muscles are susceptible to injury, particularly during sprinting and sudden acceleration. The soleus muscle is often undertrained in these athletes!
Preventing Injuries in Hurling
As a physiotherapist, I believe that many injuries in hurling can be prevented or minimised with proper preparation, training, and recovery strategies. Here are some tips for injury prevention:
Warm-up
Before engaging in any high-intensity activity, it’s essential for players to perform a proper warm-up that includes dynamic stretching and mobility exercises. This helps prepare the muscles, joints, and tendons for the physical demands of the game.
Strength Training and Conditioning
Building strength in the key muscle groups used in hurling—such as the legs, core, and upper body—can help improve performance and reduce the risk of strains and sprains. Specific exercises that target the hamstrings, quads, glutes, and shoulders can enhance muscle endurance and support the joints during intense movements. Don’t forget those plyometric exercises!
Flexibility and Mobility
Maintaining good flexibility and joint mobility is vital for injury prevention, especially for the shoulders and hips. Incorporating regular flexibility exercises, such as yoga or Pilates, into a training routine can improve range of motion and decrease the likelihood of strains and sprains.
Recovery, Rest and managing training load
Adequate rest and recovery are essential for athletes to allow the body to heal and repair itself. Overtraining increases the risk of injury, so players should listen to their bodies and seek treatment for any injuries as soon as they arise.
Conclusion
Hurling is a thrilling sport that demands both physical and mental resilience. However, like any high-contact sport, it also comes with the risk of injury. As a physiotherapist, it’s rewarding to work with hurling players to help them recover from injuries and stay on top of their game, ensuring they can continue to participate in this exhilarating and challenging sport.
Whatever your sport, if you are looking for physiotherapy, osteopathy or help with strength and conditioning Technique Health and Fitness can help find the right solution for you, reach out today or call us on 0333 358 3534 to find out more. .
We have clinics in the City and Vauxhall and we would love to help.