A SURVEY commissioned by a hospital in Bromley has shown a 20 per cent increase in patients suffering from sports injuries this summer.

It is thought the Olympics have inspired people to get involved with sports and some may have over-exerted themselves with excitement.

The research conducted by the BMI Sloane Hospital, in Albemarle Road, Beckenham, showed physiotherapists had seen patients with sports-related injuries rise by a fifth.

They are encouraging people to be prepared before taking up a new exercise routine.

The survey also looked at the types of sports which cause the most injury and found that 81 per cent of the medical professionals surveyed said running came top.

Football was a close second with 79 per cent of physiotherapists rating it as high on the injury scale, whilst rugby rounded out the top three with 65 per cent. 

Going to the gym (27 per cent) and playing tennis (27 per cent) were also activities rated as some of the more injury prone activities.

The most common sports injuries seen by physiotherapists were muscle pulls and sprains while shoulder impingement, neck pains and a torn meniscus were also highlighted as common injuries caused during sports and exercise.

Jennifer White, Physiotherapy Manager at The BMI Sloane Hospital, said: “The fact that more local residents have been inspired by the Olympics is fantastic and truly highlights the legacy the games could have in Bromley and across the UK.”

She added: “If people are inspired by the Olympics, Team GB or any of this summer’s sporting events, it is advisable they speak to a medical professional before embarking on an exercise regime – especially if it’s been a while since they’ve done anything strenuous.

“It is then equally as important to find out more about preventative measures such as, correct technique, warming up and cooling down, stretching, resting in between sessions and using the correct equipment in order to maximise the effectiveness of their exercise and also help prevent injury.”