Netball is a fantastic sport enjoyed by millions in Australia. However, like any physical activity, there are risks involved. Today, at North West Physio Eatons Hill, we’re diving into some common netball injuries and how you can prevent them.
Common Netball Injuries and Prevention
- Ankle Sprains: Twisting your ankle stretches ligaments and can cause a sprain, characterised by pain, bruising, and swelling. To prevent this, make sure to wear supportive shoes, play on level ground, warm up before the game, stretch after it, and consider ankle guards or taping.
- Shin Splints: Overworking the bone tissue and muscles can lead to shin splints, causing mild to severe pain in your lower leg. Wearing proper shoes, gradually building fitness, warming up, stretching, participating in low impact exercises and strength training can help prevent shin splints.
- Patella Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee): This is inflammation of the patellar tendon, causing pain in the front of the knee. To avoid it, warm up, cool down, use knee strapping, and engage in strength and conditioning exercises.
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Achilles tendinopathy is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, leading to pain in the back of the heel. Prevent it by warming up, cooling down, performing calf stretches and strength exercises.
Defending Your Game: Injury Prevention
Boost your performance and stay injury-free with exercises like single leg landing, single leg squats, glute bridges, and calf raises. These exercises are part of a structured strength training program that can significantly reduce the risk of common netball injuries.
Monitoring your physical health throughout the netball season, maintaining a solid level of cardiovascular fitness, and practicing recovery techniques such as stretching and foam rolling are all essential to keep you injury-free.
Nutrition also plays a pivotal role in game performance and recovery. So, always remember to fuel your body with a balanced diet before and after the game.
The Role of a Physiotherapist in Netball Injury Prevention
Here at North West Physio Eatons Hill, we believe that physiotherapy plays an essential role in netball injury prevention.
By assessing your physical health, we can identify potential issues and work on strategies not only to reduce acute pain but to prevent further injuries.
Our guidance includes early management advice, stretching exercises, soft tissue release techniques, and sport-specific strengthening exercises.
North West Physio is here to help!
While netball is a thrilling sport, it’s crucial to be aware of common netball injuries and take the necessary steps to prevent them. North West Physio Eatons Hill is here to help.
Are you struggling with netball-related injuries? Need a tailored plan for rehab? Book an appointment with us today and get back to the game you love in no time!
