The quest for more strength, size or flexibility requires commitment and heavy training. Even in the controlled environment of a gym, the extra stresses and strains can be as damaging as an on-pitch injury which those competing now do have as a risk.

A sportsperson these days has (or wants) everything and its much more affordable to have the latest equipment, or protection such as padding and joint braces, to prevent the days, weeks or months of inactivity that anyone dreads, and rarely reacts well to.

It is going to happen sometime. Top professionals have the support that means their problems can be repaired in no time at all. For the rest of us, its finding a physio, or a doctor, then booking in for the follow-ups etc and as for using an ice pack as much as it should be, we don?t have the supervision is a first excuse.

The Sports Injuries Guidebook edited by Robert S Gotlin is not the complete answer for when joints or muscles get strained. A visit to a specialist is a must for diagnosis and advice. However, the level of expertise (contributions from top professionals in their fields) in this book is just so well presented in clear and detailed explanation of symptoms, what an injury is and why it can be caused, and then the best way to alleviate any pain and to repair.

Books as good as this don't come along that often. Human Kinetics specialise in sports science and their top range texts are industry standard for Professionals. They do print books for everyone and the Sports Injuries Guidebook fits right at the top of this pile, a book which gives anyone reassurance about recovery from what might be minor but is always a real cause of frustration for even the most causal participant.

Its always good to test a book such as this on a 'real' sportsperson, an elite athlete. I gave it to Stratford Rugby Club's top fly-half, Simon Brain, the would be professional who now has a grasp of Yoga after using a previous review book. Brain needs Yoga as a long term cure for impact injuries - this was valuable short term help.

'I collect injuries,' said Brain, 'and in minutes I had an understanding of all my problems, with advice that complemented that from my physio, plus invaluable recovery tips.'

So for a Christmas present for a sportsperson, a book you hope they will never need, then this is a gift that will be appreciated. For the hypochondriacs, its hours of 'fun' learning about hundreds more niggles to worry about. For most of us, when a problem does happen, it's the best printed friend you could have.

Sports Injuries Handbook edited by Robert S Gotlin is available from all good bookstores and on-line retailers.

ISBN No: 978-0-7360-6339-5