Tom Reid here, and I've got the latest scoop from the England women's cricket camp - captain Nat Sciver-Brunt is going all out to get fit for the T20 World Cup semi-finals! The 33-year-old powerhouse has been sidelined with a calf injury, but she's not letting it knock her off course. In fact, she's taking a unique approach to her recovery, utilising Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT) - an unconventional treatment that's gaining traction in the world of sports medicine.
This cutting-edge therapy uses electromagnetic energy to supercharge cellular healing, and Sciver-Brunt is making it work twice daily at home and at the team hotel. It's not just her, though - former NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has reportedly given MRT a try for his own recovery. The treatment involves placing the injured muscle into a machine that looks like a miniature MRI scanner, but don't let its size fool you - it's packing some serious punch.
Sports physiotherapist Nick Worth is backing Sciver-Brunt's bold move, saying while there's limited robust evidence for MRT's effectiveness, the results are promising. He explains that the electromagnetic field interacts with cells in the injured area, naturally promoting healing without the need for medication. It's a safe bet, too - no known harm has been reported from using this treatment.
The road to recovery hasn't been easy for Sciver-Brunt, though. Her calf injury first reared its head on 29 April during domestic play, and she's already missed series against New Zealand and India before returning for World Cup warm-up matches. Now, 'tightness' has returned, leaving her absent from the team - but Worth is optimistic that with the right approach, Sciver-Brunt can overcome this hurdle.
Calf injuries are a regular concern for cricketers, caused by the rapid acceleration and biomechanics of the game. It's particularly tricky at the junction between the calf muscle and Achilles tendon, where differing tissue compositions make it prone to tears. Worth highlights the challenge lies in replicating the intense loads of competitive play during rehab - but Sciver-Brunt is working hard to get back on track.
The England team is keeping its fingers crossed that Sciver-Brunt will be back in action for their semi-final match, scheduled for either Tuesday or Thursday next week. Her return would be a massive boost for the team's World Cup ambitions - and let's face it, fans are eagerly waiting to see her in action!
Source: BBC Test Match Special, BBC Sport