Sports Injuries and Physiotherapy

sports injury relief in west ryde Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic provide quality physio care to active sportsmen and women. Whether you participate in local recreational activity or high level sport, our experienced physiotherapists will provide personalised treatment to get you back in the game.

Injury Types and Causes

Acute Sports Injuries

An acute injury is typically linked with a traumatic incident that causes physical damage to the body. Acute injuries are typically resolved in several weeks. Guidance from a physiotherapist directly after noticing an acute injury is important. If the acute problem is ignored, this can lead to long term discomfort and harm. Acute injuries occur in a range of sports and to all parts of the body. Acute injuries include sprains, strains, tears and breaks.

Chronic Problems affecting Sport Performance

Chronic sports injuries often lead to persistent pain and prolonged periods of inactivity. It is important to seek guidance from a physiotherapist when recovering from a chronic issue to ensure the body is properly healed and strengthened. This decreases the possibility of reoccurence. Chronic injuries can occur due to ongoing troubles related to an unhealed acute injury, or may be caused from prolonged imbalances in the body.

Early Intervention

Physiotherapy programs that strengthen and correct imbalances in the body are important for active individuals to reduce injury risk and increase performance. Often athletes benefit from seeing a physiotherapist for early intervention due to the increased strength, flexibility, range of motion and increased advice related to correct biomechanical movements. A physiotherapist can provide long term solutions to ultimately improve your body’s functioning and sporting ability.

Common Injuries and Conditions related to Sport

There are a range of common injuries that are experienced by people in a range of sports. These include:

Hamstring, Groin or calf muscle strains/ sprains
Shin splints
Tennis elbow
Running injuries
Heel spurs
Bursitis
Neck pain
Back pain
Swimming injuries
Stress fractures
Ankle sprain

What should you do after a Sports Injury?

Directly after a sprain, strain tear or joint sport injury, you should follow the widely known acronym, RICER:

R– Rest for at least 48-72 hours following your injury and keep the affected area supported.

I– Ice the area with an ice pack for the first 2 hours, every 20 minutes.

C– Ensure the injured area is compressed with a firm bandage.

E– Elevate the affected area above your heart level.

R– R stands for referral. Call your physiotherapist after an injury for treatment and advice.

It is also recommended to avoid heat, alcohol, running and massage following your injury.

If you experience severe pain, numbness or tingling, or a suspected broken bone, seek emergency help and consider dialling 000.

Injury Prevention Tips

There are a number of things you can do to avoid sports injuries.

Warm Up – warm up by completing a similar activity, less intensely.

Don’t continue to play if you feel injured– If you recognise an injury or pain in your body, do not try to push through it. You may be causing more damage.

Recovery– Spend time ‘cooling down’ and ensure you stretch after intense physical activity.

Some other tips: