Sports Injuries

Sports Injuries: Rehabilitation for Enhance Athlete Performance

Sports injuries can have a significant impact on an athlete’s performance, forcing them to take a break from training and competition. Whether it’s a muscle strain or a ligament tear, these injuries pose both physical and mental challenges for athletes who are determined to stay at their best.

Effective rehabilitation is crucial in the process of recovering and getting back to peak athletic performance. Following a structured recovery plan allows athletes to regain strength, flexibility, and confidence while minimising the chances of getting injured again. At Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates, we understand the specific demands placed on athletes’ bodies. Our dedicated team combines clinical expertise with a supportive environment to guide athletes through their rehabilitation journey, helping them return to their sport stronger and more resilient than before. We also provide targeted treatments for specific issues such as neck pain and headaches, ensuring a well-rounded approach to recovery.
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Understanding Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are physical injuries that happen during sports activities. They usually fall into two main types:

  1. Acute Injuries:
    These are injuries that occur suddenly and are often caused by a specific incident or accident.

  2. Overuse Injuries:
    These injuries develop gradually over time due to repetitive movements or excessive strain on certain body parts.

Acute injuries include:

  • Sprains (ligament injuries) and strains (muscle or tendon injuries)

  • Fractures (broken bones)

  • Dislocations (joints coming out of their normal position)

  • Muscle tears

Overuse injuries include:

  • Tendinitis (inflammation of tendons)

  • Stress fractures (small cracks in bones caused by repetitive impact)

  • Repetitive strain injuries (injuries caused by repetitive motions)

  • Joint inflammation

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Injury Risks in Different Sports

Each sport has its own specific movements and demands, which can lead to different injury risks:

Football:

In football, common injuries include:

  • Knee ligament tears (such as ACL or MCL tears)

  • Ankle sprains

  • Hamstring strains

  • Contact injuries from tackles or collisions

Basketball:

In basketball, players may experience:

  • Jump-related knee injuries

  • Ankle sprains from landing awkwardly

  • Finger injuries from catching or passing the ball

  • Lower back pain due to jumping and twisting motions

Running:

For runners, common issues include:

  • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

  • Runner’s knee (pain around the kneecap)

  • Shin splints (pain along the shinbone)

  • IT band syndrome (pain on the outer side of the knee)

The Role of Physiotherapy in Recovery

Physiotherapy is a crucial part of recovery for athletes. It offers specific treatment methods that speed up healing and bring back full function. Skilled physiotherapists use proven techniques to tackle particular injury patterns and movement problems that are unique to each athlete.

Key Treatment Approaches:

Manual therapy involves joint mobilisation techniques that help restore normal movement patterns. Soft tissue manipulation is employed to address muscle tension and improve flexibility. Trigger point release focuses on specific areas of muscle tightness to alleviate pain and discomfort. Myofascial release techniques target the connective tissue to improve mobility and reduce restrictions.

2. Exercise-Based Rehabilitation

Exercise-based rehabilitation incorporates progressive strength training to rebuild muscle capacity gradually. Range of motion exercises are essential for restoring full joint mobility and function. Sport-specific movement patterns are integrated to prepare athletes for their return to activity. Balance and proprioception drills help improve coordination and reduce the risk of future injuries.

Injury Assessment and Management

A precise injury assessment is the foundation of successful sports injury treatment at Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates. Our systematic evaluation process includes:

  1. Detailed Medical History: Understanding past injuries, training patterns, and sport-specific demands

  2. Physical Examination: Assessing range of motion, strength, and functional movements

  3. Special Tests: Conducting specific diagnostic tests to identify injury severity

  4. Pain Pattern Analysis: Mapping pain locations and triggers for targeted treatment


Our comprehensive management approach follows a structured pathway:

Acute Phase Management

Pain control is achieved through the application of appropriate modalities, ensuring optimal comfort for the patient. Protection of injured tissues is paramount during this phase to prevent further damage. Early mobility is introduced within safe limits to maintain function while respecting healing timeframes.

Progressive Rehabilitation

Graduated strength training forms the cornerstone of progressive rehabilitation, building capacity systematically. Sport-specific movement patterns are reintroduced to restore functional capability. Biomechanical corrections are implemented to address underlying movement issues and prevent future injuries.

Return to Sport Protocol

Performance testing is conducted to ensure readiness for competitive activity. Load management strategies are carefully implemented to prevent overexertion. Sport-specific skill integration is gradually introduced to rebuild confidence and competence in the sporting environment.

At Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates, we utilise advanced assessment tools and techniques to track recovery progress. This data-driven approach allows us to modify treatment plans based on individual response and healing timelines. Regular reassessment ensures optimal progression through rehabilitation phases, maximising recovery outcomes for athletes.

Rehabilitation Programs for Athletes

Customised rehabilitation programs are essential for successful recovery in athletes. Each sport has its own specific demands on the body, which means that targeted approaches are necessary for optimal healing and restoring performance.

At Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates, we structure these programs in phases, allowing athletes to build strength and confidence systematically. Each phase introduces new challenges while maintaining strict form and technique standards.

Our rehabilitation specialists monitor progress through objective measurements, adjusting programs based on individual responses and recovery rates. This data-driven approach ensures safe progression while maximising performance outcomes.

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Why Choose Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates?

At Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates, our qualified team delivers expert sports injury treatment through evidence-based practices. We take a holistic approach, considering physical rehabilitation, mental well-being, and lifestyle factors affecting recovery.

Our modern facilities and experienced physiotherapists work together to create personalised treatment plans that align with your sporting goals.

Our services include:

Begin Your Recovery Journey Today

Don’t let sports injuries hold you back from reaching your peak performance. At Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates, we’re ready to guide you through your rehabilitation journey with expert care and personalised attention.

Your athletic goals matter to us. We combine proven physiotherapy techniques with innovative approaches to help you return to your sport stronger than before.

Book online now and experience the difference at Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates – where your recovery journey transforms into a path to enhanced performance.

Other Services

We offer TMJ Treatment

Relieve Jaw Pain and Discomfort with Comprehensive TMJ Care

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Tahlia Cranley

Director, Senior Physiotherapist, BSC Clinical Pilates Instructor

Tahlia is the Director of Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates and has been a physiotherapist for over 13 years. She graduated from Curtin University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) and commenced work initially as a rotating physiotherapist in the hospital setting before realizing her true passion was in private practice.

After leaving her full-time clinical role and deciding to open her own practice in 2016, Tahlia started Perth Physio & Pilates in a room attached to a gym, before moving to the clinic’s current location in 2018. Tahlia became a business owner to be able to provide patients with the best possible care, and provide her staff with an enjoyable and supportive work environment.

Growing up playing state level basketball Tahlia was constantly in and out of the physio. This is initially what sparked her interest in the career. Having worked in the industry for many years, she has developed a special interest in treating sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain and dysfunction, spinal pain and cervical (neck) pain and headaches. Within her consultations, Tahlia looks beyond just the symptoms her patients present with to identify the root cause of the problem, aiming to fully resolve the cause to prevent the pain or issue from recurring.

Tahlia utilizes manual therapy, dry needling, neuromeningeal manipulation, clinical pilates / ‘Physiolates’ and exercise rehabilitation to treat her patients. She is continually completing professional development to learn and extend her knowledge as both a physiotherapist and business owner to ensure she is providing her patients with the most effective treatments.

Outside of work, Tahlia enjoys spending time with her family and keeping up with her two young children. She likes hiking, basketball, camping and heads to the snow whenever she gets the chance to carve it up on the snowboard.

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Caitlin Marshall

Senior Physiotherapist, BSC Women’s Health Specialist, Clinical Pilates Instructor

Caitlin completed her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at Curtin University in 2009 and has since gained experience in a variety of areas within private practice. Her most recent role involved developing NDIS plans for children aged 0-7 years, gaining extensive experience in both the physiotherapy and management side of NDIS.

Caitlin has completed Clinical Pilates programs which has given her the knowledge and experience to teach both mat and equipment based Clinical Pilates, as well as utilising the principles and rehabilitation exercises with individual patients.

Caitlin enjoys working in all areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, helping her clients to achieve their best possible outcome, combining manual therapy, dry needling, education and exercise based rehabilitation. She finds these forms of management excellent to assist clients to achieve long term goals of returning to sports or hobbies and preventing future injuries.

Having completed a Women’s Health course, Caitlin has developed a particular interest in treating women’s pelvic health and continence issues. She enjoys working with women of all ages experiencing bladder and bowel problems, pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction and particularly enjoys working with pregnant and postnatal women to help them to achieve their best quality of life.

Outside of work Caitlin thoroughly enjoys snuggling up with her golden retriever Bailey, as well as spending quality time with her friends and family over a glass of wine and a beautifully constructed cheese board.

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Stella

Physiotherapist

Stella has recently moved to our shores from the east coast of South Africa, where she grew up and worked as a physiotherapist for over 15 years. Treating the lower limb and SIJ are of particular interest to Stella, as well as the TMJ (jaw), having recently completed a course in this joint. Stella enjoys being outdoors, spending time with friends and family and looks forward to exploring this corner of the world.

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Montana

Physiotherapist

Montana completed her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at Curtin University in 2024.She enjoys working in the diverse areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy and has a keen interest in helping her patients recover through incorporating manual therapy, education and exercise based rehabilitation. Alongside this, she enjoys incorporating Clinical Pilates principles into rehabilitation and maintenance for her clients. Montana finds these forms of management are enjoyable and effective ways to assist clients in achieving their short and long-term goals whether that be returning to sport, activities, work or improving their overall quality of life.

Having worked across many areas of physiotherapy during her studies, including a sporting club for many years, Montana has a particular interest in treating disorders of the hip, knee ankle and shoulder as well as lower back pain.Outside of work Montana thoroughly enjoys going to a Pilates class, spending time at the gym and catching up with her friends and family for a walk and a nice big cup of coffee.

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Alex

Physiotherapist

Alex completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Notre Dame in 2024. With a strong passion for musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Alex enjoys helping patients recover through a combination of manual therapy, exercise-based rehabilitation, especially incorporating strength training and educating her clients.

Having worked with various sporting teams over her degree, Alex has developed a keen interest in treating sporting injuries, particularly those affecting the lower limb. Alex finds great fulfillment in helping her clients achieve their short- and long-term goals by integrating hands-on treatment with tailored rehabilitation programs. Assisting clients in returning to sport, work or just doing what they love is a driving force behind Alex’s approach to physiotherapy. Outside of work, Alex loves staying fit and active by spending time at the gym, walks along the coast, and swimming. When not exercising, Alex enjoys catching up with family and friends over dinner and a well-earned glass of wine.