Expertise in Sports Injuries
Sports Injury Rehabilitation
At Athletica Sports Physio & Performance, we specialise in Sports Injury Rehabilitation, offering comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of each athlete. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals recover from various sports injuries, particularly through non-surgical methods to help treat ACL injuries.
We cater to a wide range of injuries, including ligament tears in the knee, ankle, and shoulder, as well as common issues like tendinopathy affecting the Achilles, patellar, and rotator cuff tendons. Our state-of-the-art strength and conditioning gym enables us to isolate muscle deficits, enhancing performance and reducing the risk of future injuries.
Our focus on evidence-based practices ensures that every patient receives the highest quality care. We believe in empowering athletes with the knowledge and tools necessary for self-management and injury prevention.
Specialisation in Non-Surgical ACL Healing
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the key stabilising structures in the knee, and injuries to this ligament are common among athletes, particularly in sports that involve sudden stops, jumps, and changes of direction, such as soccer, basketball, and skiing. Traditionally, ACL injuries often led to surgical intervention; however, at Athletica Sports Physio & Performance, we focus on non-surgical healing methods that allow for effective recovery without the need for invasive procedures.
The Cross Bracing Protocol is a highly effective approach that utilises a specific bracing technique to promote ACL healing while allowing functional movement. In addition to the Cross Bracing Protocol, we also use modified bracing protocols that are effective in supporting ACL healing. These options are chosen in collaboration with each client to best suit their individual needs. We work closely with each patient to create a customised rehabilitation plan that considers their unique needs, activity levels, and goals.
Other Common Ligament Tears
In addition to ACL injuries, we are trained in treating a wide range of ligament injuries that commonly occur in sport. We also specialise in managing ligament tears in the knee, ankle, and shoulder.
These injuries can result from both acute trauma and repetitive strain, with severity ranging from mild sprains to complete tears.
Knee Ligament Tears:
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): Often injured when the knee is forced backward or hyperflexed, stretching or tearing the ligament that stabilises the knee from the back. Although less common than ACL injuries, PCL injuries can be serious and often result from trauma or high-impact events.
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Commonly injured when there is a force applied to the outside of the knee, causing the knee to bend inward (valgus force). This overstretches the MCL, which stabilises the knee on the inner side. MCL sprains are common in sports that involve direct contact, sudden changes in direction, and quick stops, such as football, soccer, rugby and skiing.
• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): These sprains happen when there is an excessive force pushing the knee inward (varus force), which overstretches the ligament on the outer side of the knee. Landing awkwardly from a jump, especially with the knee in a slightly bent position, can cause the knee to shift outward, impacting the LCL.
Ankle Ligament Tears:
• Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) and Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL): These injuries often occur during activities involving rapid direction changes, jumping, or landing awkwardly. Ankle ligament injuries can lead to swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight, significantly impacting an athlete’s ability to perform.
Shoulder Ligament Tears:
• Glenohumeral ligaments or the Acromioclavicular ligament: These injuries are often the result of falls, overhead movements, or contact in sports, leading to pain, reduced range of motion, and functional limitations. Rehabilitation may include strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and functional training to restore normal movement patterns.
Tendon Injuries
Tendinopathy is a common issue in sports, resulting from a sudden spike in training or overuse, leading to pain and dysfunction in the affected tendon. Some of the tendons most commonly affected in athletes include:
• Achilles Tendon: Often injured in runners and sports that involve jumping, such as basketball or volleyball. Achilles tendinopathy can cause pain along the back of the heel and may lead to stiffness, particularly in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity.
• Patellar Tendon: Commonly seen in athletes participating in sports requiring jumping, such as basketball or volleyball. Patellar tendinopathy, often referred to as “Jumper’s Knee,” can lead to pain just below the kneecap and may worsen with activity.
• Rotator Cuff Tendons: Injuries are prevalent among athletes involved in overhead sports like swimming, tennis, and baseball. Rotator cuff tendinopathy can result in pain and weakness in the shoulder, limiting an athlete’s ability to perform overhead movements.
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) and Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Common in racquet sports and activities involving repetitive arm movements, these conditions can cause pain on the outside or inside of the elbow, respectively.
