Physioworks Health Group Physiotherapist Nathan Monaco recently travelled to India as the team physio on tour with The Cutting Edge (Cricket) Academy.
Nathan was supporting the Under 16s & Seniors playing squads who were hosted by & competed against the CFC Excellence Academy in Hyderabad, India.
The CFC Excellence Academy included several first-class professional players in their seniors, and their Under 16’s included the 14-year old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who plays for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
Nathan recalls fondly his memories from the trip:
As the only Physio/medical support staff for the tour there was plenty to do, even before we departed,
Prior to departure, injury history was obtained from all players, and, as required, I communicated with the current treating allied health and medical team of respective players to ensure there was appropriate follow-on care while we were away.
Most days on tour were a 6:00am wake up, then we’d jump onto the bus by 7:00am to travel to our grounds, perform pre-game treatment & then warming up the teams.
Most of my days were spent running water to keep all well hydrated in the very dry 36-degree heat; and treating any acute injuries which occurred.
Once back at our hotel, I’d do a 2-hour treatment session for players prior to dinner, with another treatment session later into the evening.
Despite the long days, I was exposed to a fantastic level of cricket … and an equally high level of sledging!!
The tour was not without some challenges, from assisting in relocating & splinting an opposition team member’s dislocated & fractured finger with a wooden spoon we used for lunch, to navigating the Indian Hospital system when one of our players suffered a brain bleed.
With no previous experience & exposure to cricket as a player or medical support staff I did not really know what to expect. However, being immersed in a cricket tour environment was a great learning opportunity. It has given me a great understanding of the demands & requirements of cricketing athletes. I’m now well equipped to make more informed decisions regarding player & injury management, and to address the biomechanical factors which are specific to cricket.
I’m looking forward to spring & summer to implement my newfound cricketing knowledge & assist cricketers to prepare & enjoy an injury free cricket season.
Physiotherapist Nathan Monaco consults at Physioworks Cranbourne (call 5995 1111) and Physioworks Pakenham (call 5941 5499).
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