Sports physio: when to see one and what they do

What does a sports physio do?

Sports physios are physiotherapists who focus on injuries and performance in active people. That includes weekend joggers and social netballers as well as elite athletes. They diagnose the problem, treat it, and help you return to your sport with a plan that matches the demands of your activity.

In Australia, all physios are registered with AHPRA. Some also hold extra qualifications in sports and exercise physiotherapy. If this matters to you, ask the clinic about their training and experience with your sport.

When to book

• A sprain, strain or other injury that is not settling after several days
• Pain that appears during or after training and keeps coming back
• A sudden increase in load, such as a new program, event or season
• Returning to sport after a break or an earlier injury
• You want a plan to reduce your risk of injury or build up for an event

Early help does not always mean time off. A physio can often adjust your training so you keep as active as is sensible while the injury settles.

What happens at an appointment

Expect questions about how the injury happened, your training and your goals. Then your physio will test movement, strength, balance and the specific tasks your sport needs, such as jumping, cutting or throwing. You may be asked to bring your usual training shoes and gear.

Treatment commonly includes education, hands-on techniques for comfort, taping, and an exercise program built around strength and gradually rising load.

Deciding when you are ready to return

A safe return to sport is about more than the pain stopping. Your physio will look at whether you have regained movement, strength, control and confidence, and whether you can handle the kind of load your sport demands. Returning in steps, such as modified training before full contact or match play, helps the body adapt.

Rushing back too early is a common reason injuries return, so it is worth asking for specific benchmarks to reach before each step.

Common injuries

• Ankle sprains and foot pain, including heel pain: see our guide to plantar fasciitis
• Knee pain and ligament injuries: see our guide to knee pain
• Hamstring, groin and calf strains
• Shoulder pain from throwing, swimming or overhead sports: see physio for shoulder pain
• Tendon pain such as tennis elbow or hip tendon pain
• Overuse injuries from running or repetitive training

When to see a doctor first

• You heard a pop and cannot put weight on the limb
• The joint looks deformed, or swelling is rapid and significant
• You hit your head and have headache, confusion, vomiting or drowsiness. Do not keep playing; seek medical help
• Numbness, pins and needles or weakness
• Signs of infection such as fever, heat or redness around a wound

For a suspected fracture, severe injury, or if you are unsure, go to your GP or an emergency department. Call 000 in an emergency.

Costs and funding

Sports physio fees vary by clinic. Private health extras may pay a rebate, and you do not usually need a referral. See our cost guide and referral guide.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or physio about your own situation.