Disclaimer: General educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified health professional. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Whether you play AFL, soccer, netball, basketball, run recreationally, or train at the gym — sports injuries are an inevitable part of an active life. The difference between a two-week recovery and a four-month one often comes down to how quickly and correctly the injury is managed. Sports physiotherapy at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora gives you the fastest, safest path back to the sport you love.
Sports Injuries We Treat
Muscle injuries:
- Hamstring strains (Grades 1–3) — the most common AFL injury
- Quadriceps strains and contusions
- Calf muscle tears
- Groin and adductor strains
- Hip flexor tears
Ligament injuries:
- ACL injuries — full rehabilitation programs, non-surgical and post-surgical
- MCL and LCL knee sprains
- Ankle ligament sprains (lateral and medial)
- AC joint injuries
- Thumb UCL injuries (skier's/gamekeeper's thumb)
Overuse injuries:
- Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
- Stress fractures — return-to-activity management
- IT band syndrome
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Tennis and golfer's elbow
Concussion:
- Concussion assessment and graduated return-to-play management
- Post-concussion headaches and vestibular rehabilitation
The Sports Physiotherapy Process
Acute injury management (Day 1): Thorough assessment including diagnosis, severity grading, and red flag screening. Immediate treatment to reduce pain and swelling, and clear guidance on what to do (and not do) in the critical first 72 hours.
Rehabilitation phase: Progressive exercise program targeting the specific deficits created by the injury — strength, mobility, proprioception, and sport-specific movement patterns. We maintain your cardiovascular fitness and keep you doing as much as possible throughout recovery.
Return-to-sport testing: Objective strength testing (limb symmetry index of 90%+ for most injuries), functional movement screening, and sport-specific testing before clearance to return to training and competition. This is what prevents re-injury — not just waiting until the pain is gone.
WorkCover and TAC Sports-Related Injuries
If your injury occurred at work, it may be covered by WorkCover. If it occurred in a road accident, TAC may apply. Contact us and we will help you navigate the funding options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use ice or heat on a sports injury?
Ice (or cold packs) are most helpful in the first 48–72 hours to reduce swelling and pain. After the acute phase, heat can help relax tight muscles. For chronic or overuse injuries, heat is often more appropriate from the outset. Your physiotherapist will advise based on your specific injury.
What is the RICE method — is it still recommended?
The original RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol has been updated. The current evidence-based approach is PEACE & LOVE: Protect, Elevate, Avoid anti-inflammatory medication, Compress, Educate — followed by Load, Optimism, Vascularisation (light cardio), Exercise. Your physiotherapist will guide you through the appropriate approach.
Can I keep training with a sports injury?
Often yes — but it depends on the injury. Many sports injuries can be managed with training modification rather than complete rest. Your physiotherapist will assess what is safe to continue and what needs to be avoided, and will prescribe alternative training to maintain fitness during rehabilitation.
How do I know when I'm ready to return to sport?
Return to sport decisions should be based on objective criteria, not just pain resolution. Your physiotherapist will use strength testing (limb symmetry index), functional movement screening, and sport-specific performance tests to confirm you are ready. Returning too early is the most common cause of re-injury.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora