Here's our first discussion for our industry expert series, speaking all things sports, fitness and recreation to those within the industry. This week we spoke to Willum Ogden BSc MSc, sports therapist.
How long have you been working in the sports industry?
I have worked in the professional sports and fitness sector since 2014, initially volunteering for Wigan Warriors Rugby Club providing post-match recovery massages, and as a student sports therapist at Everton Football Club, primarily with the women's team. So about 7 years, give or take a few months.
Those are some big club names. Could you summarize the nature of your work and the roles you have had?
I spent most of my time working as a sports therapist in professional women's soccer. I worked at Everton Women's Football Club where I helped with the development, rehabilitation and recovery of the players alongside the medical staff and coaches. I've also provided on-field medical care for the RTC (Regional Talent Club) and worked with the academy's youth players, as well as supporting the first team who play in the Women's Super League 2 and now the Women's Super League. I also volunteered at a local Liverpool club called Liverpool Feds while I was studying for a Masters in Sports Medicine. My research work for this Master was a scoping review of injury prevention models in women's football. I have worked in a number of private injury clinics and work with my own group of clients on a semi-regular basis.
What have been some of the key developments/changes you have noticed in the industry since you started?
I think there has been a great evolution in the recovery modalities and methods offered and used at all levels of sport. There are now more structured programs and a broader approach to training and recovery with things like yoga, flexibility exercises, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage and percussion therapy all playing a big role in the industry. It's great that people are recognizing the important role recovery plays in their fitness journey.
In sport itself, women's football has experienced a huge upswing, which is phenomenal and well-deserved. Having worked at a professional football club, I have seen that professional female players have a full-time job, train 2/3 times a week and then play games on the weekend. The biggest change has been that many women's clubs are working full time where possible. I think there will be continued development in women's sport and it has been a pleasure to work in this area. macos/deepLFree.translatedWithDeepL.text
Do you think there has been an increase or decrease in injuries with all the lockdowns/restrictions?
I can understand why there can be an increase in injuries in professional sports because the players are not in their usual rhythm. People often forget that even though they are professional athletes, they are also human and need some type of structure. For most professional athletes, this structure has completely disappeared over the last year, which is why many athletes and clubs I know are probably taking a more maintenance approach to their training at the moment, rather than the "typical pre-season" they need to rebuild their fitness would take a break. They've been training and preparing consistently for two seasons now and it's taking its toll on the body.
Although I haven't personally seen an increase in injuries in the general population, I would imagine that people who work from their ideal office with the right equipment at home on the sofa without support certainly develop these little aches and pains, mainly caused by restricted mobility movement are caused.
What role do percussive massagers play in the treatment you offer/prescribe?
Personally a big role. I work with a small subset of my clients offering tailored and direct rehab for their injuries or just general training. I use percussion therapy in two ways - 1. to help them loosen up, increase circulation and prepare for exercise. And 2. when I've had a hands-on session where I've been working very heavily with soft tissue manipulations, I use the flow to get good blood flow to the area and promote the lymphatic drainage I need for recovery .
Do you have any tips for getting the most out of your percussion massager?
Above all, avoid bony areas on your body, it's pretty easy to use. You can use it to warm up before training, to cool down afterwards and at any time to support regeneration. But to really get the most out of it, I would recommend contacting a therapist or using the resources provided by Flow to understand how we can get the most out of this tool.
Are there any warnings for anyone using one of these devices?
Especially avoid bony areas, bruises and areas of injury. Usually they are designed to increase blood flow and reduce tension within a muscle, which is perfect and when used correctly can be a useful addition to your daily activities. But if you decide to use them over a bruise, for example, you'll actually be doing more harm than good to the area. As always, if you are unsure, consult a therapist.