Sports Injuries

Sport is a vital part of the Australian lifestyle – it promotes good health, stress relief and is fun. Sometimes injuries may occur through sport. Fortunately your team at Leading Edge can effectively treat your sporting injuries, enabling a safe return  to your sporting activity more quickly than just ‘rest and see what happens’. We can also provide expert advice to prevent sporting injuries recurring.

What goes wrong

Most sporting injuries are a result of a direct blow (bruise or contusion, fractures) or an indirect force like a twist (sprains, strains, tears). Some injuries are due to over-use stresses (tendon injuries, stress fractures).

Common Injuries

  • Hamstring Strains

  • Shoulder Instability

  • Ankle Sprain

  • Knee Injuries

  • Tendon Injuries

  • Quadriceps Strains

  • Hip Injuries

  • Groin Pain

  • Heel Pain

  • Shin Pain

  • Calf Strains

  • Bruises/Contusions

  • Ligament or Joint Injuries

  • Fractures

  • Dislocations

  • Over-use Injuries

What should I do after an injury?

As soon as possible, and for 72 hours after injury, use the RICE method:

  • Rest - Take it easy and only move within your limit of pain.

  • Ice - As soon as possible, and for 20 minutes every two hours, apply ice or a frozen gel pack wrapped in a damp towel. This helps to control bleeding and pain and reduces secondary tissue damage.

  • Compression - Firmly bandage the injury. This helps to control swelling.

  • Elevation - As much as possible, elevate your injury higher than the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

After this initial management you should Book an Appointment with your Leading Edge Physiotherapist, especially if there is pain and swelling after 24 hours (No referral is needed).

How can you minimise injury?

  • Correct warm up and warm down procedures.

  • Protective strapping or bracing.

  • Correct footwear and sporting equipment.

  • Specific conditioning for your particular sport.

  • Good aerobic fitness.

  • Good muscle control and reactions

How can physiotherapy help?

Leading Edge physiotherapists are highly qualified and trained in the assessment and treatment of sports injuries. We work with numerous sports, at all levels – from the “weekend warrior” through to our elite Olympians.

Through working with elite sporting teams, your Leading Edge team all have comprehensive knowledge of biomechanics, tissue injury and healing, allowing us to monitor your rehabilitation from injury through to your return to sport.

I have a sports injury, what do I do now?

As soon as possible, and for 72 hours after injury, use the RICE method:

  • Rest - Take it easy and only move within your limit of pain.

  • Ice - As soon as possible, and for 20 minutes every two hours, apply ice or a frozen gel pack wrapped in a damp towel. This helps to control bleeding and pain and reduces secondary tissue damage.

  • Compression - Firmly bandage the injury. This helps to control swelling.

  • Elevation - As much as possible, elevate your injury higher than the level of your heart to reduce swelling.

Your next step is to have your sports injury assessed by a Leading Edge Physiotherapist. Contact us or book online today.