Understanding sports injuries
Injury recovery is just the beginning– we aim to help you get back in the game feeling better than ever.
Has a sports injury got you sitting on the sidelines?
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, school athlete, or lifelong competitor, sports injuries are often frustrating setbacks. At Williamstown Health and Lifestyle, we combine physiotherapy and osteopathy in an effort to help you recover faster, reduce your risk of re-injury, and get you back in the game.
And if you feel frustrated that you have a sports injury, it may help to know that you’re not alone– people who engage in any physical activity, even walking, may acquire sports injuries. With over 56,000 sports injuries requiring hospital stays in Australia in 2021-2022, a lot of us have spent time on the bench– but it doesn’t mean you have to stay there.
What are sports injuries?
Sports injuries are any injuries that happen during physical activity, whether it’s competitive sport, casual gym workouts, or recreational weekend walks.
Common types of sports injuries include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Muscle tears
- Tendonitis
- Tendinopathy
- Ligament injuries
- Dislocations
- Fractures
- Shin splints
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
Any injury you sustain during physical activity is a sports injury, and all sports injuries deserve dedicated care. Whether it happened suddenly or developed over time, a sports injury needs a personalised treatment plan in an effort to support your recovery.
Symptoms of sports injuries
Some sports injuries are obvious, like a sprained ankle after a bad landing. Others develop slowly, like a sore knee after months of running.
Depending on the injury, symptoms may include:
- Sudden pain or swelling
- Ongoing discomfort during or after movement
- Stiffness
- Limited mobility
- Muscle weakness
- Instability
- Clicking or locking of joints
- Joints giving way
- Pain that interferes with daily life
Treatment options for sports injuries
At Williamstown Health and Lifestyle, we take a tailored approach to every sports injury. The type of injury you have and its severity are some of the main factors that go into developing your treatment plan. Depending on your injury, your treatment plan may include:
- Physiotherapy
- Osteopathy
- Remedial massage
- Myotherapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Strength, stability, and movement retraining
- Taping or bracing

Your sports injuries questions answered
How soon should I look for treatment for a sports injury?
The sooner, the better! In most cases, early assessment allows us to reduce pain and swelling and begin rehabilitation straight away.
Even if the injury seems minor, leaving it untreated may lead to chronic issues down the track. Whether you’ve rolled an ankle, pulled a muscle, or are just feeling sore after training, having it looked at early may make a big difference to your outcome and return to sport.
Can I still train while injured?
In most cases, yes, but it may look different to usual, as it depends on the type and severity of your injury. One of the biggest mistakes athletes make is stopping all activity after an injury, so we want to find a happy medium.
Often, there are modified exercises or alternative training methods that aim to maintain your fitness while you recover. We’ll work with you to develop a plan that works to protect the injured area while keeping the rest of your body strong and active. After all, returning to sport isn’t just about healing– it’s also about smart training and progressive loading so you’re ready when it’s time to go back.
How long will it take to recover?
Recovery time depends on what injury you have and how severe it is. For example, minor muscle strains may heal within a couple of weeks, while tendon injuries, ligament tears, or fractures may require several months of structured rehab.
Your commitment to the treatment plan, your body’s healing response, and whether you follow injury prevention advice all play a role in how quickly you recover. We’ll give you an estimated timeline when we assess your injury and support you through every stage of recovery, from acute care to cheering you on as you run back onto the field.
Why Williamstown Health and Lifestyle?
Collaborative approach
We provide physiotherapy and osteopathy together, because every athlete deserves the full toolkit.
People-first treatment plans
Your injury is only part of the picture. We also focus on your lifestyle, goals, and long-term health alongside your injury.
Free shockwave therapy
We offer shockwave therapy free of charge, aiming to reduce recovery time and help you get back to your sport sooner.
Sports injury recovery may be closer than you think
Injuries are often a part of sport, but long recoveries don’t have to be. With dedicated care, hands-on treatment, and a personalised treatment plan, you may be able to return stronger than ever. Book your appointment with our team at Williamstown Health and Lifestyle today!