Injuries from sports are common and can range from minor to severe, affecting recovery time. Ligament strains and Muscle strains and are frequent in sports like soccer, netball, and rugby.
Grade 1: Minor strain with a few muscle fibers torn, mild pain, little to no swelling, and no loss of movement or strength. Recovery: A few weeks. Physiotherapy can assist with electrotherapy modalities, therapeutic massage and exercise.
Grade 2: Partial tear with more fibers torn, sharp pain, and quick swelling that halts exercise. Recovery 6-12 weeks. Normally this requires a period of using a weight bearing brace or taping (helping support the injured tissue while it heals).
Grade 3: Complete rupture with most or all fibers torn, often needing a review with an Orthopaedic Surgeon. Rehabilitation requires professional guidance. Recovery: 3-12 months – depending on what level of activity or sport being returned to.
At Healthy Movements Physiotherapy, we support your recovery with acute care, including soft tissue massage, electrical stimulation for circulation and pain relief, taping, advice regarding weight bearing braces and early-stage exercises to maintain range of motion.
We will also progress your exercises to regain full strength following the stages of soft tissue healing. Later we will advise on return to training and give you sport specific drills to progress you to playing your preferred sport safely whilst minimising the chances or re-injury.
- Injuries range from Grade 1 (mild strain) to Grade 3 (complete rupture), with varying recovery times.
- Acute care includes soft tissue massage and interferential electrical stimulation.
- Early exercises focus on increasing joint range of motion and preventing further loss.
- Strengthening exercises, sport-specific drills, and advice for safe return to sport to minimize re-injury risk.
No, you do not need a referral to see a sports physiotherapist. However, it’s important to check your health insurance policy to ensure that physiotherapy services are covered under your extras cover.
Treatments include soft tissue massage, interferential electrical stimulation, joint mobilisations, and specific exercises to improve range of motion and strength.
During your first session, the physiotherapist will likely conduct a thorough assessment of your injury and overall physical condition.
The duration of each session can vary depending on the treatment required.