Sports Physiotherapists are experts in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal and sporting injuries. They can help return you to your best level of function after an injury.

 

A Sports Physiotherapist may use the following techniques:

• 'hands-on' techniques such as massage, joint mobilization

• taping to support an area or facilitate normal movement

• rehabilitation exercises and advice, taking into account individual goals and history

 

Sports Physiotherapists also have a role in injury prevention. There are several injuries (including ankle sprains, knee injuries and hamstring strains) for which the risk can be significantly reduced if a specific injury prevention program is used. These programs are typically not time intensive and can actually improve sporting performance as well.

 

Common sporting injuries:

• joint sprains— knee, ankle, shoulder and finger injuries

• muscle strains—hamstring, calf, quadriceps

• tendon injuries—achilles, patella and gluteal tendon pain

• bony overuse injuries—such as 'shin splints' or stress fractures

• rehabilitation from surgery —knee, shoulder or ankle arthroscopies or reconstructions

 

The physiotherapy profession emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, using findings from clinical and biological research to support assessment, treatment, and decision-making. If you are suffering from a sports-related injury, it is important to have your condition assessed by a Sports Physiotherapist.