Treating, Taping, Supporting
The Women's Training Camp Day Four
While the players are fighting for every ball on the pitch, just as crucial things are happening off it: the physiotherapists are making sure that the players are ready to give their peak performances.
It all starts even before training...
Early in the morning, even before most of the players are on the pitch, the physio room is already the hub of activity. At around 08:30, the day begins for Nico Haase and his team colleagues Giuliana Di Bartolo and Jennifer Heckmann with a meeting, before strapping and taping up the first players and preparing for training. Particularly in intensive phases such as a training camp, where the body is put under a lot of strain every day, this preparation is a central part of the daily routine. The three physiotherapists guide Union’s women through targeted exercises that optimally prepare the body for the upcoming strain.
A watchful eye on everything
‘Since we have the support of Jennifer Heckmann, who normally works with the junior team, at this training camp, the three of us can divide up perfectly,’ says Nico Haase, explaining the sequence of the sessions. While one of them supervises the training and pays meticulous attention to the correct execution of each movement – an essential factor in preventing injuries – the second physiotherapist concentrates on the players in rehabilitation. At the same time, the third person supervises the athletes in the fitness room or treats them on the physio couch.
‘It's a great feeling to see the players back on the pitch again, step by step,’ says Haase, describing the special nature of rehabilitation training. The initial focus is on rebuilding strength and mobility and gradually getting the ball back into play. With each step forward, the exercises become more intense, the scope and pace increase – until the players are finally ready to rejoin team training.
...and it's not over after training either
After training, the focus is on a crucial part of the day: recovery. Around noon, the physio room once again becomes the centre of attention. Here, everything revolves around targeted treatments that ease tension and alleviate minor complaints.
Particularly at the training camp presented by sonnenschutz.de, where long days and high pressure are the norm, there is hardly any time for breaks. For the physiotherapists, this means long working days that often last until late in the evening. ‘Our day starts early and usually doesn't end until around 09:00, when the last treatments after dinner are completed,’ reports Haase.
Yoga on the beach
Today's day was rounded off with a sunset yoga session on the beach with Jennifer Heckmann. This session not only provides an atmospheric end to the day but also fulfils important physiotherapeutic purposes.
The gentle stretches and controlled breathing exercises help to release tension and mobilise the muscles. ‘Yoga helps to restore the balance between tension and relaxation – an important factor, especially with the high training load,’ explains Heckmann. At the same time, conscious breathing promotes blood circulation and helps to optimally prepare the body for regeneration.
Quote of the day: ‘The best thing is that you are needed and can usually help’ – Nico Haase on the most satisfying aspect of his work.
An overview of the diary entries:
