Sports injuries can affect training, competition and normal physical activity. Problems may develop suddenly or build over time, and may involve pain, swelling, reduced movement, weakness or difficulty tolerating the demands of sport.
The nature of a sports injury cannot be determined from symptoms alone. Assessment considers how the problem started, how symptoms behave, movement, strength, physical capacity and the specific demands of the activity or sport.
When physiotherapy assessment may be appropriate
Physiotherapy assessment may be appropriate when an injury is affecting training, running, gym work, competition or return to normal sporting activity.
The assessment helps clarify the clinical presentation, identify clinically relevant factors and determine whether physiotherapy management may be appropriate.
What rehabilitation may involve
Management depends on the individual presentation. Where appropriate, this may include advice, movement or exercise, progressive strengthening, activity modification and other physiotherapy interventions based on the assessment findings.
Rehabilitation may progress towards the strength, movement, control and physical capacity required for the demands of training and sport.
When further assessment may be needed
Some sports injuries require medical investigation or assessment outside physiotherapy. If the history or clinical findings indicate that another healthcare professional or further investigation is appropriate, referral should take priority.