Conditions we treat
Sport Performance & Injury
Reviewed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Physiotherapist — AHPRA registered, APA member
Modern Sports Injury Treatment
Treatment for sports injuries has changed significantly in recent years. Where a “cast and rest” approach was once standard, especially after surgery, that’s now understood to accelerate muscle wasting and slow recovery. Modern practice favours early, carefully guided movement instead — whether the injury is sport-related, work-related, or just bad luck.
Andrew’s Approach
Andrew breaks every injury into clear phases, each with specific goals and criteria to meet before progressing to the next. Moving too fast risks re-injury; being overly cautious delays your return to activity unnecessarily. Getting this balance right is what a good rehabilitation plan is built around.
Treatment
Nearly every injury is paired with a customised exercise rehabilitation programme — Andrew sets out exactly which exercises are appropriate for your current stage, at what intensity, and how often, based on current evidence-based practice, alongside hands-on treatment where appropriate.
How we treat it
Treatments used for sport performance & injury
Manual TherapyManual therapy uses hands-on techniques — soft tissue work, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation and fascia distortion release — to ease pain, restore movement and speed recovery.
Exercise RehabilitationA structured, progressive exercise programme — tailored to your condition and stage of recovery — to rebuild strength, restore movement and prevent injuries recurring.Frequently asked questions
Should I rest or keep moving after a sports injury?
Modern practice favours early, carefully guided movement over prolonged rest — complete immobilisation causes muscle wasting and can slow your overall recovery. The right amount of movement depends on the specific injury, which is why a proper assessment matters more than generic advice.
How soon after an injury should I see a physio?
As soon as practical after the injury occurs. An early assessment means treatment and any rehab exercises can start sooner, and an inexperienced or overly cautious approach in the first few days can actually set your recovery back.
Does the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) still apply?
It has a role in the first 24–48 hours for managing swelling and pain, but it's no longer the whole picture. Current best practice moves toward guided loading and movement fairly quickly after the acute phase, rather than prolonged rest, to avoid unnecessary muscle loss and stiffness.
How long does it take to recover from a sports injury?
It depends entirely on the injury, its severity, and your activity goals. Andrew breaks rehab into phases with clear criteria before progressing to the next stage, since moving too fast risks re-injury while being overly cautious delays your return to sport unnecessarily.
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