Sports Physiotherapy - Not Just for Elite Athletes
When you think of sports physiotherapy, you might picture elite athletes, AFL players, swimmers, tennis players or Olympians recovering from injury. The reality is, sports physiotherapy isn’t just for the professionals - it’s for anyone who’s active and wants to move well, play well, and recover better.
What Is Sports Physiotherapy?
Sports physiotherapy is a branch of physiotherapy focused on preventing, diagnosing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that occur during any physical activity. This includes everything from ankle sprains and muscle strains to ligament injuries, overuse injuries, pre and post surgery. Sports physiotherapy not only treats the injury, but also involves performance optimisation, education, and tailored strength and conditioning programs.
A sports physio understands the different skills and demands of your sport, whether it’s netball, running, swimming, footy, cricket and everything in between. They take a sport-specific approach to treatment and rehab to help you return to activity safely, and stronger than before.
How Is Sports Physiotherapy Different from Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy?
While both sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy deal with joint, muscle, tendon and ligament injuries, there are a few key differences.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy typically focuses on everyday injuries or chronic pain caused by posture, work-related strain, or age-related changes, including neck pain, back pain, arthritis, and general joint dysfunction.
Sports physiotherapy deals with injuries that occur as a result of sport or exercise. This includes acute injuries or issues that arise at a later stage as a result of physical activity. It considers the specific biomechanics and load requirements of your chosen activity, aiming not only to heal the injury, but to return you to peak performance and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Not Just for Elite Athletes
You don’t need a professional athlete to see a sports physio. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, junior athlete, taking up a new sports or just getting back into the gym, sports physiotherapy can help.
If you’ve rolled your ankle during social netball, strained your hammy during a fun run, or are dealing with recurring shoulder niggles from swimming laps, a sports physio can assess the issue, create a personalised rehab plan, and support your return to activity.
They’ll also work with you on injury prevention strategies, improving movement patterns, strength and control, so you can stay active and strong long-term.
When to See a Sports Physio
You don’t need a referral to see a physiotherapist, and early intervention can make a big difference in your recovery.
Consider booking in with a sports physio if:
You’ve recently had a sports-related injury.
You’re struggling with persistent niggles or pain when exercising.
You’re training for a specific event or returning after time off.
You want to improve your performance or reduce injury risk.
You want a tailored training program.
Sports physiotherapy is for anyone who moves. It’s about helping you stay active, recover well and perform at your best, no matter your age, level or sport. If you’re dealing with a sports injury or looking to move better, our team at Shenton Quarter Physiotherapy is here to help.
Book an appointment today and get back to doing what you love.