Source: SKY_Sports
James blasts medical management
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has voiced his concerns over the 'horror stories' of medical mismanagement in top-level football.[LNB] The England goalkeeper is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme following surgery on a long-standing shoulder injury.[LNB]James is refusing to rush back from the operation, which was delayed to the end of 2008/09 in order to help Portsmouth avoid Premier League relegation, because of his fears over regaining full fitness.[LNB]The 38-year-old does not want to run the risk of following in the footsteps of the injury-prone players he has encountered during his career.[LNB]James believes external factors, such as a lack of financial investment and careless recruitment policies for medical staff, can cost players.[LNB]Outdated expertiseHe said in The Observer: "I have heard plenty of horror stories - a star player whose medical staff forgot to remove the pins from a broken bone, misdiagnosis that led to months of problems, outdated expertise and an overall archaic approach.[LNB]"Again and again I've been told about players who attempt to seek medical advice from outside their club and are either forced to pay their own costs, or refused co-operation with the treatment.[LNB]"And always the same conclusion - players being routinely rushed back on to the field before they are fit, only to break down again.[LNB]"What I can't understand is why clubs who pay out millions in wages don't invest in the best physiotherapy available. Why risk bringing a player back too quickly, only for the problems to return?[LNB]"As I see it, football it once again lagging behind - physios are not up to date with the latest advances in medical care and too many appointments are still on the basis of 'jobs for the boys'.[LNB]"Factor in the pressures physios are under from managers and directors to get players back on the pitch and it's a dismal picture."[LNB]
