Sports Injuries
Whether you're training for your first 5 km, preparing for Comrades, enjoying a weekly game of padel, or simply trying to stay active, an injury can be frustrating. Many people try to "push through" the pain, only to find that symptoms worsen over time.
At MK Physiotherapy, we understand that your goal isn't just to become pain-free, it's to return to the activities you enjoy with confidence. We combine a thorough assessment, hands-on treatment, exercise-based rehabilitation and, where appropriate, objective strength testing to help identify the cause of your injury and guide your recovery.
Every injury is different, and successful rehabilitation starts with understanding why the injury occurred in the first place.
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Why have I developed a sports injury?
Sports injuries rarely happen by chance. They usually develop because the body's capacity has been exceeded by the demands placed upon it. During your assessment we'll identify the factors contributing to your injury and develop a personalised rehabilitation plan.
Overuse injuries
Pain that develops gradually over days or weeks is often caused by repetitive loading exceeding the body's ability to recover.
Common examples include:
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Tennis elbow
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Runner's knee
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Shin splints
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Rotator cuff tendinopathy
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Plantar fasciitis
Physiotherapy aims to improve tissue capacity through progressive loading, education and targeted strengthening rather than prolonged rest.
Running injuries
Running places repetitive loads through the body, and small changes in training, footwear or recovery can contribute to injury.
Common running injuries include:
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Patellofemoral pain
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ITB syndrome
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Medial tibial stress syndrome ("shin splints")
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Bone stress injuries
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Plantar heel pain
Treatment includes gait assessment where appropriate, load management, strength training and return-to-running guidance.
Muscle strains
A sudden sharp pain during running, walking, lifting or changing direction may indicate a muscle strain.
Common examples include:
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Hamstring strains
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Calf strains
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Quadriceps injuries
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Groin injuries
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Hip flexor strains
Early rehabilitation helps restore flexibility, strength and confidence while reducing the risk of re-injury.
Shoulder and upper limb injuries
Sports involving throwing, swimming, racquet sports and gym training commonly place high demands on the shoulder.
Examples include:
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Rotator cuff injuries
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Shoulder impingement
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Biceps tendinopathy
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Tennis elbow
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Golfer's elbow
Physiotherapy aims to restore shoulder mobility, strength and control while addressing contributing movement patterns.
Ligament and joint injuries
Twisting injuries, awkward landings or direct trauma can damage the supporting structures around a joint.
Examples include:
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Ankle sprains
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Knee ligament injuries (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL)
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Shoulder instability
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Wrist sprains
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Thumb injuries
Rehabilitation focuses on restoring joint stability, balance and movement to safely return to activity.
Movement and strength imbalances
Sometimes the painful area isn't the real problem.
Weakness, reduced control or movement asymmetries elsewhere in the body can increase stress on joints and soft tissues.
Examples include:
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Hip weakness contributing to knee pain
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Reduced calf strength increasing Achilles load
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Poor trunk control affecting running mechanics
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Balance deficits following ankle injuries
Where appropriate, objective strength testing can help identify these deficits and monitor your rehabilitation progress.
Objective Testing
Data-led Rehabilitation
At MK Physiotherapy, we use the VALD DynaMo objective strength and range of motion testing to measure what can't always be seen. By identifying strength deficits and movement limitations, we can personalise your rehabilitation, monitor your progress and help you return to sport with greater confidence.
✔ Identify hidden strength deficits
✔ Track rehabilitation progress
✔ Compare side-to-side performance
✔ Support safer return-to-sport decisions
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Should I stop exercising if I'm injured?
Not always. While some activities may need to be modified, complete rest is rarely the best solution. Physiotherapy helps you remain as active as possible while allowing the injured tissue to recover safely.
Should I use ice or heat?
Each therapy has benefit depending on your symptoms. Ice may help reduce pain and inflammation after an acute injury (approx. 5-7 min on superficial areas; approx 10-12 min a larger/deeper structures), while heat often helps relax stiff muscles, enhance blood flow and improve comfort. Your physiotherapist will advise which is most appropriate for your condition.
Why does my sports injury keep coming back?
Recurring injuries are often caused by unresolved strength deficits, movement patterns, training errors or returning to sport too quickly. Rehabilitation should address the underlying cause, not just the painful area.
How long will it take before I can return to sport?
Recovery depends on the type of injury, its severity and your individual goals. We'll guide your rehabilitation and progress you safely through each stage of recovery before returning to full activity.
Do I need a scan before seeing a physiotherapist?
Usually not. Physiotherapists are first-line practitioners and can assess most sports injuries without imaging. If, on assessment, your symptoms suggest further investigations or warrant a specialist referral , we'll discuss this with you and provide 2-3 referral options.
What do you charge?
MK Physiotherapy charges medical aid rates according to your scheme. Standard consultations duration is 45 min. Treatment plans can be arranged according to your budget, or consider booking a 30 min session.
Will medical aid cover?
Physiotherapy is most often funded from your day-to-day savings (MSA). Should your MSA be depleted, you will be responsible to settle your account with MK Physiotherapy.
Medical aids offer scheme funded benefits - to see if you qualify call or whatsapp us, we are happy to advise.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
Generally 3 - 6 sessions are advised. However, this depends on your diagnosis, how long you've had symptoms and your individual goals. Some acute conditions improve within a few sessions, while persistent or more complex problems may require a longer rehabilitation programme and ongoing maintenance. Your physiotherapist will discuss an individual treatment plan after your assessment.
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