South African Journal of Physiotherapy (Nov 1986)

The effectiveness of physiotherapy during the Comrades Ultramarathon

  • Linda Exelby

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v42i4.801
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 42, no. 4
pp. 125 – 128

Abstract

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Physiotherapy stations along the Comrades Marathon route provided treatment for musculoskeletal problems. Common muscular conditions encountered were fatigue, cramp and strains. These were treated with ice massage, conventional massage or a combination of the two. Every runner was also encouraged to stretch the affected muscles. Joint related injuries were strapped. Questionnaires were sent to runners to assess the effectiveness of the treatment received. Most runners reported that the treatments helped. In spite of the limited treatment time available nearly half of those treated gained lasting relief.

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