About sports injuries
Sports injuries range from the sudden, such as a hamstring strain or a rolled ankle, to the gradual, such as a tendon that has been grumbling for months. Both benefit from an early assessment, because the first few weeks of management shape how well and how quickly you recover.
We treat active people of all ages and levels, from weekend runners and school sport to club athletes and gym-goers, with the same approach: assess the injury, manage the load and rebuild strength and control before returning to sport.
What we assess and treat
Sports injuries we commonly assess and treat:
- Muscle strains, including hamstring, calf, quadriceps and groin strains
- Ligament sprains of the ankle and knee
- Tendon problems such as Achilles, patellar and gluteal tendinopathy
- Overuse injuries linked to sudden increases in training
- Shoulder pain in swimmers, throwers and gym training
- Back and neck pain in cyclists, golfers and racket sports
- Rehabilitation after a fracture, once medically cleared
How physiotherapy helps
Treatment is decided by the assessment, not before it. Depending on what we find, your plan may include:
- 01
Assessment
Identify the injury, its severity and the training or technique factors that contributed to it.
- 02
Early management
Guidance on protecting the injury, what to avoid and how soon to begin gentle loading.
- 03
Hands-on treatment
Soft-tissue and joint techniques to support recovery and movement where appropriate.
- 04
Progressive strengthening
A staged programme that rebuilds strength, control and capacity for your sport.
- 05
Return-to-sport planning
Objective milestones rather than guesswork, plus load planning to reduce the risk of re-injury.
When to see your doctor first
Some symptoms need a medical assessment before physiotherapy
- A suspected fracture or dislocation, or obvious deformity
- A head knock with headache, confusion, nausea, drowsiness or memory loss (possible concussion)
- Severe swelling or inability to bear weight after the injury
- Numbness, coldness or colour change in the limb
These are uncommon. If you are unsure, call the practice and we will guide you on the right first step.
Your first visit
- 1
Assessment
We talk through your history and symptoms, then assess how you move to find the cause.
- 2
Treatment
Hands-on treatment starts in the same session, matched to what the assessment shows.
- 3
Your plan
You leave knowing what we are treating, what to do at home, and what comes next.
Common questions
Should I use ice or heat on a new injury?
In the first days, ice can help with comfort, and protecting the area from further strain matters most. Gentle movement is generally introduced early. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about medication; we advise on the physical management at your assessment.
Do I have to stop training completely?
Usually not. Most injuries are managed by modifying training rather than stopping altogether, which also helps you keep fitness while the injury settles. Your plan sets out what to adjust.
When can I go back to sport?
When you have met the milestones for your injury: full, comfortable movement, strength close to the other side, and the ability to do sport-specific movements with control. We test these rather than guess.
Related conditions
This page is general information about physiotherapy for this condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an individual assessment. If you are worried about your symptoms, please contact the practice or see your doctor. Reviewed 2026-09-10. Physiotherapy services are provided by Candice Paulse, BSc Physiotherapy (UCT), registered with the HPCSA (PT 0091502).