The COVID-19 pandemic threatened to null and void the season in numerous leagues around the world. In the end, most of the major European leagues (barring France) managed to complete their seasons. The vast majority are now planning to begin a new campaign in the knowledge that it could be derailed at any time.
For most professional players, the extended break was the longest they have enjoyed (barring injury) since their early teen years. In the modern era, the demands on football players have increased markedly. A quick look at the forthcoming 2020/21 season shows an incredibly congested calendar.
Matters aren’t helped by various football authorities, such as FIFA, UEFA, and the English FA, failing to adopt a common-sense approach. A case in point is the incredible decision to place an international break a week before several European leagues start. There is also a desire to complete a late-starting season on time for the 2021 European Championships.
The English FA, and associated authorities in English football, have decided to plough ahead with both domestic cup competitions.
While this is less of an issue for clubs that spend the small GDP of a country on squad players, most football clubs face a significant problem. The combination of a fast-paced game and minimal rest time means an increase in injuries is a certainty.
As it happens, there is a growing link between CBD and football. It seems that an increasing number of football players use CBD oil. At present, it is only the likes of Megan Rapinoe, World Cup winner with the United States’ women’s team, that are open about their use. However, we expect a raft of top footballers to begin discussing their use of CBD sooner rather than later.
Why Do Football Players Use CBD Oil?
One of the main reasons why footballers might use CBD is because they are now legally allowed to. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has removed CBD from its list of banned substances. Indeed, the allowance for CBD in football came just in time for the 2018 World Cup.
Whether Kylian Mbappe used the cannabinoid as he guided France to the title is unclear. However, what we know is that all players in the tournament were permitted to do so if they wished.
Aside from the large number of games that a player can expect to complete in, they operate in a physically demanding sport. Players are expected to perform dozens of sprints each game and usually cover at least 10km. During busy periods, such as the English Premier League’s crazy December schedule, players often have only a couple of days to recover. It is a recipe for injury, and it is no surprise to see teams lose several players by the end of December.
A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2016 looked into injury incidents in an English Premier League youth academy during the 2012/13 season. Interestingly, it found that 50% of injuries happened during training, against 32% during matches. The researchers also discovered that older players (16-18 years of age) were more likely to get injured during matches. Is this an indication that adult players are more likely to get hurt while playing a game rather than in training?
Research by the University of Edinburgh looked at the 2011/12 Premier League season. It found that almost 30% of injuries reported related to the ankle. Nearly 20% were knee injuries.
Could CBD Oil Reduce Football Injuries?
It seems as if the physical stress of a football match could increase the risk of oxidative damage. This process could lead to a slower recovery time. Players forced to return to action before they are ready are more likely to get injured. There is a suggestion that CBD could combat the inflammation that increases oxidative damage.
As we already mentioned, knee and ankle injuries are by far the most common. For such players, CBD and football is a combination worth considering. There are now a host of CBD topical products that players can use on their joints and muscles.
Visit Healthcanal to check some product recommendations.
A prime example is CBD balm from Provacan, one of the most trusted CBD brands in the UK. It contains hemp-derived CBD, beeswax, and several other natural ingredients. Using it is as easy as rubbing it into the affected area. It is best to try a small amount at first to see how it impacts you. Then, you can apply more as necessary.
Research into CBD for football players is still ongoing. It could take many years before we have detailed evidence that proves it is useful for preventing injuries and helping players recover faster. CBD seems to have anti-inflammatory effects, which makes it a potentially helpful product for footballers. As soon as a ‘superstar’ such as Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi declares that they use CBD, you can expect others to follow suit.
