Steven Taylor's long road to recovery
Monday 12th December 2011
Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor ruptured his Achilles tendon in a match against Chelsea in early December and now faces the long road back to recovery.
The central defender was injured after an innocuous challenge during a 3-0 defeat to the London side at the Sports Direct Arena and was immediately told by the club's physiotherapist Derek Wright that he would need surgery to repair the damaged ligament.
Taylor told the BBC: "I hobbled off to the dressing room and Newcastle's physio Derek Wright took a look at me. I asked him what was wrong. When he said, 'It's not too good Steven', my heart sank. I've known Derek for years and he doesn't sugar-coat bad news."
Newcastle's star player was admitted to surgery and after the operation was put on a series of drugs to prevent a blood clot in the damaged leg. Whilst recovering the player has to endure extensive physiotherapy sessions to make sure the leg is strong enough to play again.
Before recent breakthroughs into sport science an Achilles tendon injury was considered to be career-ending but now the player will be expected to be back playing first-team football in time for the new season in August 2012.
Despite the positive surgery, Taylor still feels aggrieved to have his season halted by the injury.
He said: "I have to inject myself in the stomach each morning with penicillin and take tablets to stop potential blood clots. Having to do this just brings home how serious this is. As I hold the needle in my hand it all feels very surreal. I should be on the training pitch getting ready to face Norwich City [December 10th fixture] and instead I am having to make sure my injury doesn't get worse."
This type of injury is quite common within the sport as footballers are subject to robust challenges in every game and Taylor is not the only one to suffer this type of injury as Aston Villa midfielder Jermaine Jenas ruptured his Achilles tendon in a game against Manchester United on the same weekend.
Jenas is also not expected to play again this season.
A physiotherapy job can be found at justphysio, a genuine specialist in NHS and private sector recruitment.
written by Angela Newbury
Related articles
Life expectancy can be boosted by jogging
Many people like to go out jogging as a way of keeping fit and enjoying the great outdoors on their runs, however this leisurely...
Thursday 3rd May 2012
Physiotherapy services on display in Wales
Physiotherapists in Wales are showcasing the benefits of the treatment this week as part of a new initiative. With the Olympic...
Tuesday 1st May 2012
Physiotherapists gearing up for London 2012
The London 2012 Olympic Games is set to be one of the biggest spectacles the country has ever seen and as the best athletes from...
Thursday 19th April 2012
Related Audiology Jobs
We are always on the look out for experienced Audiologist who are considering the locum path.Interested in working in the North...
Full infoPaediatric Audiologists required for locum job opportunities nationwide! We currently have an urgent requirement for qualified...
Full infoRHAD required for a full time, temp to perm job based in Surrey. We are looking for a full time RHAD for a new and exciting...
Full info