Because rugby involves a great deal of running, tendinitis in the knee or ankle, medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) and bursitis (a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs — called bursae — that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints) are all painful overuse injuries commonly seen in this sport.

Knee injuries like ligament sprains and meniscus (fibrocartilage strips) tears can occur from contact forces or from rotational forces during a quick change of direction. Shoulder injuries from contact with other players or the ground can include sprains (separation) of the AC joint, or dislocations of the shoulder joint.

How will light therapy help treat rugby injuries?

• Red and infrared light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms through both molecular signalling and circulatory modulation, thereby helping to reduce non-chronic or acute pain associated with sports injuries.
• Red and infrared light penetrates deeper into the body than normal heat treatment, stimulating more red blood cells and enhancing the ability to recover from injuries.
• Blood flow to tissues is promoted and lymphatic drainage increases, helping to remove waste products. This indirectly inhibits inflammation processes and thus reduces swelling.
• Once the red LED light has increased the cell’s energy production, each cell within the treated area begins producing new cells to replace the cells of the injured tissue.