At the Family Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Centre we offer an Innovative Sports Injury Clinic that sees Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists often working in conjunction with each other.
Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists have long been associated with the care of sportsmen and women, but In recent years Chiropractors have been increasingly utilised in elite competition.
Advances in Sports Medicine have seen more professionals now turning to a combination of the professions with evidence indicating that athletes undergoing multi-disciplinary care not only heal quicker but are also at a lower risk of re-injury and perform better.
Meet Our Team“Our aim is to offer quality treatment to all athletes, from: individual to team players, young to old and amateurs to professionals”
Sports Injuries Treated
Some common sports injuries fall into categories that include:
- Strained/Pulled Muscles
- Contusions/bruising
- Sprained ligament/Joints
- Post Fracture Rehab
- Back/Neck Pain
- Posture/Muscle Imbalance
The Family Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre is a multidisciplinary practice and we often co-manage patients in order to provide the best care available. If you are at all unsure as to whether we might be able to help you please contact us to talk to one of our team.
Specific Sports Injuries
Some sports injuries are more serious than others but rest assured if you do suffer an injury we have the knowledge and experience to help.
Common Cycling injuries:
Knee pain
Knee pain is the most common pain seen in cyclists and is usually due to the highly repetitive motion of the knee flexing as the pedal goes round.
A knee normally moves over the toes as the pedal goes around, but excessive sideways motion of the knee, or poor bicycle set up can accentuate the forces going through the knee and lead to inflammation or wear and tear on the various structures around the knee.
A seat that is too high may lead to excessive strain on the ilio-tibial band (IT band) which is a strong fibrous band that runs down the side of the thigh from the hip to the outside of the knee. A seat that is too low can cause pain under or around the knee cap due to prolonged time spent pushing whilst too bent.
Neck pain
This is generally caused by poor posture in the saddle or too much time spent in a bad position, reduced flexibility in the upper back, or a fault with the set-up of the bike itself that can exacerbate the problem.
The pain can spread around the region and sometimes can also lead to numbness or tingling in the arms.
Lower back pain
This is very common among cyclists because the back is held in a ‘flexed’ position for long periods.
For many non-elite cyclists, it is also worth noting that the main cause of back pain may be the many other lifestyle activities such as prolonged sitting at work or heavy lifting, and that cycling is merely a factor that aggravates the problem. A sustained flexed position can compress the discs of the spine or place an excessive strain on muscles and ligaments which over time can lead to pain.
The pain itself can sometimes spread from the back to the buttocks, and along the leg.
Achilles pain
Often called Achilles tendonitis, this is characterised by pain in the Achilles tendon which runs down the back of the leg from the calf to the heel, and can develop inflammation and other problems through overuse.
Foot pain
Some cyclists suffer pain as a result of the constant pressure being applied through the front of the foot during pedalling. This can be pain of the soft tissues under the forefoot, but sometimes may involve damage to the nerves which run between the toes.
Fractured collarbone
This is the most common fracture seen in cycling and usually happens when cyclists fall onto the point of the shoulder, referring the impact along the collarbone and causing it to break. The break can be very painful and is usually diagnosed by an x-ray.
Scaphoid fracture
The scaphoid is a small bone on the thumb side of the wrist that can fracture when a rider puts a hand out to break a fall. Scaphoid fractures often do not show up on an immediate x-ray but will usually present in a follow-up 10-14 days later.
Muscle contusion and bony bruises
This is where a muscle or bony prominence (most often around the hip and thigh) gets bruised in a fall. The impact of the fall can cause damage to the muscle or bone causing swelling and visible bruising, and often limits the amount of movement in that area.
Some sports injuries are more serious than others but rest assured if you do suffer an injury we have the knowledge and experience to help.
Common Football injuries:
Groin strain
This is a strain of the adductor muscles on the inside of the thigh and occurs when they are stretched beyond their limits and the muscle tissue tears. This can happen when players are stretching for the ball or side-stepping.
Hamstring strain
The hamstrings are a group of four muscles found at the back of the thigh. These muscles bend the knee. When they are overstretched the muscle fibres can tear leading to a strain. These muscles tend to tear during explosive or rapid movements such as sprinting.
Thigh (quadriceps) strain
This is where a tear occurs in the quadriceps group of muscles found on the front of the thigh that are responsible for straightening the leg, ie, when kicking a ball.
Meniscus injury
There are two meniscus (a type of cartilage) in the knee. Kidney shaped, they provide a cushion between the upper and lower leg bones and can be pinched and torn under pressure. This tends to happen during twisting movements.
There are many different types of meniscal tear, including a ‘bucket handle’, ‘radial’, ‘parrot beak’ and ‘horizontal cleavage’ tear. Each tear will alter the biomechanics of the knee and therefore can cause irritation, swelling and pain.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
This is the supporting ligament in the knee joint that enables twisting and turning movements. It can tear or completely rupture during an awkward landing or fall, or under impact of a tackle.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain
This is the ligament that joins the thigh bone and the shin bone and is found on the inner side of the knee joint. As with the ACL, it can be torn through twisting or impact.
Calf strain
The calf is at the back of the lower leg and is made up of two key muscles which enable players to push off and run. Like other muscles, the calf can be torn and strained when stretched beyond its limits.
Sprained ankle
A sprained ankle occurs when there is soft tissue damage to the ligaments in the ankle joint. Around 70-85% of ankle sprains are ‘inversion’ sprains.
This occurs when you roll the ankle outward and the sole of the foot faces in and up. This can happen during a tackle, by running on uneven ground or landing awkwardly.
Broken metatarsal
This is a bone in the foot that can be broken through contact, excessive rotational force or simply overuse.
Some sports injuries are more serious than others but rest assured if you do suffer an injury we have the knowledge and experience to help.
Common Rugby injuries:
Dislocated shoulder
This occurs when a player’s arm is pulled or forced from its joint in the shoulder, most commonly in a fall or a collision with another player.
Ankle sprain
A sprained ankle occurs when there is soft tissue damage to the ligaments in the ankle joint. Around 70-85% of ankle sprains are ‘inversion’ sprains.
This occurs when you roll the ankle outward and the sole of the foot faces in and up. This can happen during a tackle, by running on uneven ground or landing awkwardly.
Calf strain
The calf is at the back of the lower leg and is made up of two key muscles which enable players to push off and run. Like other muscles, the calf can be torn and strained when stretched beyond its limits.
Thigh (quadriceps) strain
This is where a tear occurs in the quadriceps group of muscles found on the front of the thigh that are responsible for straightening the leg, ie, when kicking a ball.
Meniscus injury
There are two meniscus (a type of cartilage) in the knee. Kidney shaped, they provide a cushion between the upper and lower leg bones and can be pinched and torn under pressure. This tends to happen during twisting movements.
There are many different types of meniscal tear, including a ‘bucket handle’, ‘radial’, ‘parrot beak’ and ‘horizontal cleavage’ tear. Each tear will alter the biomechanics of the knee and therefore can cause irritation, swelling and pain.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
This is the supporting ligament in the knee joint that enables twisting and turning movements. It can tear or completely rupture during an awkward landing or fall, or under impact of a tackle.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain
This is the ligament that joins the thigh bone and the shin bone and is found on the inner side of the knee joint. As with the ACL, it can be torn through twisting or impact.
Hamstring strain
The hamstrings are a group of four muscles found at the back of the thigh. These muscles bend the knee. When they are overstretched the muscle fibres can tear leading to a strain. These muscles tend to tear during explosive or rapid movements such as sprinting.
Groin strain
This is a strain of the adductor muscles on the inside of the thigh and occurs when they are stretched beyond their limits and the muscle tissue tears. This can happen when players are stretching or side-stepping.
Muscle contusion and bony bruises
This is where a muscle or bony prominence (most often around the hip and thigh) gets bruised in a fall or blow. The impact can cause damage to the muscle or bone causing swelling and visible bruising, and often limits the amount of movement in that area.
Some sports injuries are more serious than others but rest assured if you do suffer an injury we have the knowledge and experience to help.
Common Racquet sports injuries:
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is caused by a strain to tendons in the forearm. The tendons become inflamed where they join the bony part on the outside of your elbow joint. Any activity that involves gripping and twisting of the forearm can cause this type of strain. It’s not uncommon to also have golfers elbow, which is similar to tennis elbow but is felt on the inside of the forearm.
Wrist sprain
The wrist contains many small joints and ligaments and has a cartilage structure which can be injured.
Rotator cuff impingement
This occurs when there is insufficient space in the shoulder region for the soft tissues. This may be due to localised swelling or thickening, or may be a consequence of forcing the joint or repeated biomechanical issues.
Ankle sprain
A sprained ankle occurs when there is soft tissue damage to the ligaments in the ankle joint. Around 70-85% of ankle sprains are ‘inversion’ sprains.
This occurs when you roll the ankle outward and the sole of the foot faces in and up. This can happen when landing awkwardly.
Calf strain
The calf is at the back of the lower leg and is made up of two key muscles which enable players to push off and run. Like other muscles, the calf can be torn and strained when stretched beyond its limits.
Thigh strain
This is where a tear occurs in the quadriceps group of muscles found on the front of the thigh that are responsible for straightening the leg..
Hamstring strain
The hamstrings are a group of four muscles found at the back of the thigh. These muscles bend the knee. When they are overstretched the muscle fibres can tear leading to a strain. These muscles tend to tear during explosive or rapid movements.
Groin strain
This is a strain of the adductor muscles on the inside of the thigh and occurs when they are stretched beyond their limits and the muscle tissue tears. This can happen when players are stretching or side-stepping.
Knee pain
Knee pain is usually due to the highly repetitive motion of the knee.
Excessive sideways motion of the knee can accentuate the forces going through the knee and lead to inflammation or wear and tear on the various structures around the knee.
Meniscus injury
There are two meniscus (a type of cartilage) in the knee. Kidney shaped, they provide a cushion between the upper and lower leg bones and can be pinched and torn under pressure. This tends to happen during twisting movements. There are many different types of meniscal tear, including a ‘bucket handle’, ‘radial’, ‘parrot beak’ and ‘horizontal cleavage’ tear. Each tear will alter the biomechanics of the knee and therefore can cause irritation, swelling and pain.
Lower back pain
This is common when over extending or lunging. Compression of the discs of the spine or excessive strain on muscles and ligaments which over time can lead to pain.
It is also worth noting that the main cause of back pain may be the many other lifestyle activities such as prolonged sitting at work or heavy lifting.
The pain itself can sometimes spread from the back to the buttocks, and along the leg.
Achilles pain
Often called Achilles tendonitis, this is characterised by pain in the Achilles tendon which runs down the back of the leg from the calf to the heel, and can develop inflammation and other problems through overuse.
Some sports injuries are more serious than others but rest assured if you do suffer an injury we have the knowledge and experience to help.
Common Ski injuries:
Knee pain
Knee pain is common pain in skiers due to the highly repetitive motions of twisting and turning.
Excessive side to side motions can accentuate the forces going through the knee and lead to inflammation or wear and tear on the various structures around the knee.
Meniscus injury
There are two meniscus (a type of cartilage) in the knee. Kidney shaped, they provide a cushion between the upper and lower leg bones and can be pinched and torn under pressure. This tends to happen during twisting movements, a tear will alter the biomechanics of the knee and therefore can cause irritation, swelling and pain.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
This is the supporting ligament in the knee joint that enables twisting and turning movements. It can tear or completely rupture during an awkward landing or fall.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain
This is the ligament that joins the thigh bone and the shin bone and is found on the inner side of the knee joint. As with the ACL, it can be torn through twisting or impact.
Wrist sprain
The wrist contains many small joints and ligaments and has a cartilage structure which can be injured during impact from a fall.
Rotator cuff impingement
This occurs when there is insufficient space in the shoulder region for the soft tissues. This may be due to localised swelling or thickening, or may be a consequence of forcing the joint or repeated biomechanical issues.
Lower back pain
This is also common among skiers because the back can be held in a ‘flexed’ position for long periods.
It is also worth noting that the main cause of back pain may be the many other lifestyle activities such as prolonged sitting at work or heavy lifting, and that skiing is merely a factor that aggravates the problem. A sustained flexed position can compress the discs of the spine or place an excessive strain on muscles and ligaments which over time can lead to pain. The pain itself can sometimes spread from the back to the buttocks, and along the leg.
Muscle contusion and bony bruises
This is where a muscle or bony prominence (most often around the hip and thigh) gets bruised in a fall. The impact of the fall can cause damage to the muscle or bone causing swelling and visible bruising, and often limits the amount of movement in that area.
Some sports injuries are more serious than others but rest assured if you do suffer an injury we have the knowledge and experience to help.
Common Golf injuries:
Golfers elbow
Golfers elbow is caused by a strain to tendons on the inside of the forearm. The tendons become inflamed where they join the bony part of the elbow joint. Any activity that involves gripping and twisting of the forearm can cause this type of strain. It’s not uncommon to also have tennis elbow, which is similar to golfers elbow but is felt on the outside of the forearm.
Rotator cuff impingement
This occurs when there is insufficient space in the shoulder region for the soft tissues. This may be due to localised swelling or thickening, or may be a consequence of forcing the joint or repeated biomechanical issues.
Knee pain
Knee pain is usually due to the highly repetitive motion of the knee.
Excessive sideways motion of the knee can accentuate the forces going through the knee and lead to inflammation or wear and tear on the various structures around the knee.
Meniscus injury
There are two meniscus (a type of cartilage) in the knee. Kidney shaped, they provide a cushion between the upper and lower leg bones and can be pinched and torn under pressure. This tends to happen during twisting movements.
There are many different types of meniscal tear, including a ‘bucket handle’, ‘radial’, ‘parrot beak’ and ‘horizontal cleavage’ tear. Each tear will alter the biomechanics of the knee and therefore can cause irritation, swelling and pain.
Lower back pain
This is common when over extending or rotating. Compression of the discs of the spine or excessive strain on muscles and ligaments which over time can lead to pain.
It is also worth noting that the main cause of back pain may be the many other lifestyle activities such as prolonged sitting at work or heavy lifting.
The pain itself can sometimes spread from the back to the buttocks, and along the leg.
Achilles pain
Often called Achilles tendonitis, this is characterised by pain in the Achilles tendon which runs down the back of the leg from the calf to the heel, and can develop inflammation and other problems through overuse.
Some sports injuries are more serious than others but rest assured if you do suffer an injury we have the knowledge and experience to help.
Common Running injuries:
Achilles pain
Often called Achilles tendonitis, this is characterised by pain in the Achilles tendon which runs down the back of the leg from the calf to the heel, and can develop inflammation and other problems through overuse.
Calf strain
The calf is at the back of the lower leg and is made up of two key muscles which enable players to push off and run. Like other muscles, the calf can be torn and strained when stretched beyond its limits.
Sprained ankle
A sprained ankle occurs when there is soft tissue damage to the ligaments in the ankle joint. Around 70-85% of ankle sprains are ‘inversion’ sprains.
This occurs when you roll the ankle outward and the sole of the foot faces in and up. This can happen during a tackle, by running on uneven ground or landing awkwardly.
Hamstring strain
The hamstrings are a group of four muscles found at the back of the thigh. These muscles bend the knee. When they are overstretched the muscle fibres can tear leading to a strain. These muscles tend to tear during explosive or rapid movements such as sprinting.
Knee pain
Knee pain is common pain in skiers due to the highly repetitive motions of twisting and turning.
Excessive side to side motions can accentuate the forces going through the knee and lead to inflammation or wear and tear on the various structures around the knee.
Broken metatarsal
This is a bone in the foot that can be broken through excessive rotational force or simply overuse.
Lower back pain
This is common when over extending or lunging. Compression of the discs of the spine or excessive strain on muscles and ligaments which over time can lead to pain.
It is also worth noting that the main cause of back pain may be the many other lifestyle activities such as prolonged sitting at work or heavy lifting.
The pain itself can sometimes spread from the back to the buttocks, and along the leg.