What is Sports Physiotherapy?
Sports physiotherapy is a specialised field in physiotherapy that focuses on preventing and rehabilitating injuries related to sport and exercise. It aims to help athletes and active individuals maintain peak physical condition and recover from injuries as quickly and safely as possible.
How we take care of sports injuries
At Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy, we work with athletes of all ability levels, from recreational participants to elite performers. Our use of diagnostic ultrasound technology allows us to pinpoint sports injuries with great accuracy. We use a combination of manual therapy, exercise programs, dry needling, strapping, kinesio taping, shockwave therapy, and high-power laser therapy to treat sports injuries.
When to see a Sports Physiotherapist
You should see a sports physiotherapist if you experience any of the following:
Pain: Consistent pain, especially during or after activity
Actute injuries: Sprains, strains, or fractures
Mobility: Impaired mobility or swelling in joints or muscles
Performance: Decreased performance or athletic ability
Repetitive injuries: Recurring pain and discomfort in the same area
Common injuries in different sports
- Running: Due to overuse and impact, runners often suffer from shin splints and Achilles tendonitis. Insufficient recovery between training sessions can lead to stress fractures. ITB syndrome is also common, causing outer knee pain.
- Cycling: Cyclists frequently experience knee pain from poor positioning and Achilles tendonitis from overuse. Falls or accidents can lead to wrist fractures.
- Swimming: Swimmers are prone to shoulder impingement caused by repetitive overhead strokes. Swimmer’s shoulder, another common overuse injury, results in pain and limited movement in the shoulder.
- Rugby: Due to the sport's contact nature, shoulder dislocations and knee ligament injuries (like ACL or MCL tears) are common from tackles and rapid movements.
- Hockey: Hockey players often experience groin strains, hip flexor injuries and wrist fractures from falls and collisions, or direct impact from the stick.
- Tennis: Tennis elbow occurs from the repetitive motion of swinging the racket, causing pain outside the elbow. Rotator cuff injuries are common due to repetitive overhead movements, leading to shoulder pain and weakness.
- Padel: Padel players often experience tennis elbow and wrist injuries due to repetitive strokes and ankle sprains from quick lateral movements.
- Gym and HIIT classes: Common injuries include lower back strains, knee pain, and shoulder injuries due to improper form, heavy lifting, or high-impact exercises. Overuse injuries like tendinitis can also develop.
