PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR RUGBY INJURIES
Most injuries can be divided into one of two categories:
Contact Injuries - Resulting from direct impact or collisions.
Non-contact - Occuring without external force, often due to overuse, sudden movements, or muscle imbalances.
The key distinction? Contact injuries require a structured return-to-contact component to ensure a safe and effective recovery.
With experience working with the Wests Tigers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, SportsFit specialises in rugby and rugby league injury recovery, helping athletes return to peak performance.
COMMON INJURIES:
ANKLE SPRAIN
Ankle sprains are generally non-contact injuries and can occur due to the ankle 'rolling in'. Typically, rehab is around 4-6 weeks, depending on the severity.
SYNDESMOSIS INJURIES
These injuries commonly occur when caught in a tackle, forcing the ankle into an awkward position. High-grade injuries may require surgery.
HAMSTRING STRAINS
Hamstring strains commonly occur to outside backs who have more space to run at high speeds. Injuries are multifactorial, but generally involve poor strength and load.
NECK INJURIES
More common in forward packs who need to make a high amount of tackles a game or get caught in a 'crusher' tackle. These injuries can be niggly, but more severe injuries can have numbness or tingling.
SHOULDER DISLOCATIONS
Repeated shoulder dislocations will often require surgery as it can result in damage to the labrum and rotator cuff. First time dislocations are often managed conservatively.
ACL INJURIES
Rupturing one of the major ligaments of the knee can result in an extended stint on the sideline. Being trained in change of direction, and contact work after is crucial.
AC JOINT INJURIES
One of the more annoying contact injuries. It is possible to play through a low to medium grade ACJ with padding and protection but it is often limited by pain.
Our Approach to Injury Rehab
Once pain and swelling subside, we focus on restoring strength and flexibility before introducing sport-specific rehabilitation tailored to your needs.
Learn more about our Return to Contact protocols here.
Returning to baseline isn’t enough. If you’re an outside back recovering from a hamstring strain, regaining strength and speed is crucial, read our Sprint Speed Tips here.
Lower limb injuries? Our Return to Running programs are designed to help you build confidence and resilience. Learn more here.
Expert ACL Rehabiliation
Recovering from an ACL injury is a significant journey. Whether you opt for surgical or non-surgical rehabilitation, our specialist ACL Rehab Program supports you from day one to peak performance.
Ready to get back in the game?