Understanding 5 Common Sports Injuries and the Role of Physiotherapy in Recovery

On a sunlit field, a rugby player holds a mud-streaked ball, ready for the next play.

Are you an athlete or weekend warrior in Hamilton dealing with a nagging injury? Sports injuries are common, but with the right physiotherapy, recovery can be faster and more effective.

At Nexus Physiotherapy in Grandview Heights, Hamilton, we focus on treating sports injuries for a wide range of individuals, from elite athletes to those who visit the gym occasionally. Here are five common injuries we address and the ways physiotherapy can assist.

1. Ankle Sprains

Twisting or rolling your ankle can cause a sprain, a common injury among athletes and active individuals. This occurs when ankle ligaments stretch too far and tear, leading to pain, swelling, and instability. We offer a comprehensive approach that includes joint mobilization techniques to improve ankle flexibility and tailored strengthening exercises to enhance stability. These exercises aid in restoring function and preventing future injuries. Our program emphasizes gradual progression, allowing individuals to safely return to activities while promoting long-term joint health.

2. Hamstring Strains

These painful pulls can sideline you for weeks, impacting daily activities and athletic performance. The hamstring muscles at the back of your thigh are vital for movements like running and jumping. Overstretching or tearing these muscles can cause discomfort, swelling, and decreased mobility. Recovery often requires a multifaceted approach. Our specialized massage therapy promotes blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and alleviates pain. Targeted pressure helps release tightness, aiding in pain relief and enhancing flexibility. This intervention is particularly beneficial early in recovery, helping to prevent scar tissue formation.

3. Shoulder Injuries

Our clinic specializes in rehabilitation for shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears and impingement. Our experienced team creates individualized treatment plans to restore motion and strength. We assess the extent of injuries, including rotator cuff tears that cause pain and limited mobility, and develop tailored programs with manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to promote healing. For shoulder impingement, our rehab focuses on improving mechanics, flexibility, and strength to reduce pain and prevent future issues. We also emphasize education and self-management, aiming to restore motion and enhance shoulder function, allowing patients to return to their activities and improve their quality of life.

4. Knee Pain

Our Hamilton physiotherapy team specializes in personalized treatment plans for conditions like runner's knee and post-surgical recovery. Runner's knee, characterized by pain around the kneecap, often results from overuse or muscle imbalances. Our physiotherapists perform detailed assessments to design customized rehabilitation programs that include targeted exercises and manual therapy. For post-surgical rehabilitation, we work closely with your surgical team to implement tailored strategies that focus on restoring motion and strength. We take a holistic approach, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes, and use the latest evidence-based techniques to support your recovery, whether you're an athlete or recovering from surgery.

5. Lower Back Pain

Musculoskeletal issues, often due to a wrench in a game, poor posture or overuse, can cause discomfort and limit daily activities. To address these concerns, we use a multifaceted approach that includes mobilisation techniques and postural correction exercises. Mobilisation involves gentle movements and stretches to increase the range of motion in affected joints and muscles, alleviating stiffness and enhancing mobility. Postural correction educates individuals on proper alignment and ergonomics, significantly reducing the risk of injury and discomfort. Through these combined therapies, we aim to relieve pain and foster long-term improvements in function and well-being, enabling individuals to engage more fully in their daily lives.

So, whether you're a high-performance athlete or a weekend warrior, don't let these kinds of injuries keep you on the sidelines. Talk to us. We can help.

Why Choose Nexus Physiotherapy in Hamilton?

• ACC-accredited: No referral needed

• Affordable care: Initial ACC treatment just $40

• Experienced team: Over 20 years of physio and acupuncture expertise

• Convenient location: Grandview Heights, Hamilton

  
  

Book your appointment today — call 027 610 6106 or 07 846 1599 or visit www.nexusphysiotherapy.co.nz