Common Sports Injuries & Treatments
Sydney sports physiotherapist, Chris El-Hayek, highlights the high-incidence and common sports injuries he encounters regularly at his physio clinic.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, amateur athlete or elite competitor, sports injuries can happen when you least expect them. Certain conditions are more likely to occur due to the repetitive, high-impact nature of sport and exercise.
At Optimise Sports Physiotherapy and Performance, we understand how frustrating it can be to be sidelined by injury. Below, highly experienced sports physiotherapist Chris El-Hayek, explores some of the most common sports injuries he treats and how physiotherapy can support your return to peak performance.
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Hamstring | Knee | Foot / Ankle | Back / Spine | Shoulder | Arm / Elbow | Leg Injuries | Hand / Wrist
Hamstring Injuries
Common hamstring injuries: Hamstring strain or tear
Hamstring strains or tears are common in sprinting and kicking sports, causing pain and weakness, with physiotherapy essential for recovery and prevention.
Knee Injuries
Common knee injuries: ACL, MCL, Meniscus Tears, Patellofemoral Pain.
Knee injuries such as ACL tears, meniscus damage, and runner’s knee often result from impact or sudden movement, with physiotherapy restoring strength and stability.
Foot / Ankle Injuries
Common foot and ankle injuries: Ankle Sprains, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinopathy
Foot and ankle injuries like sprains, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy affect mobility and balance, with physiotherapy reducing pain and rebuilding strength.
Back / Spine Injuries
Common back and spine injuries: Lumbar Strain, Disc Injuries, Sciatica
Back issues including strains, disc problems, and sciatica often stem from poor movement patterns, with physiotherapy focusing on pain relief, core strength, and posture.
Shoulder Injuries
Common shoulder injuries: Rotator Cuff Tears, Shoulder Impingement, Dislocations
Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, impingement, and dislocations cause weakness and instability, with physiotherapy restoring function and safe return to sport.
Arm / Elbow Injuries
Common arm and elbow injuries: Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Ligament Sprains
Repetitive use or trauma can cause tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or ligament sprains, with physiotherapy reducing pain and improving arm strength and technique.
Leg Injuries
Common lower leg injuries: Calf Strains, Shin Splints, Hamstring Tear, Achilles Injuries
Quadriceps tears, calf strains, shin splints, and Achilles tendinopathy are common leg injuries that can limit performance, with physiotherapy aiding recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Hand / Wrist Injuries
Common hand and wrist injuries: Wrist Sprains, Tendinitis, Fractures
Sprains, fractures, and tendon conditions in the hand or wrist impair grip and function, with physiotherapy restoring mobility and fine motor control.