Sport is a part of the Australian lifestyle. It teaches us about the values of fairness, respect and responsibility, and challenges us to be the best for ourselves and our team.
Unfortunately, a large part of sport is the chance for injury. Something that can make many people hesitant to participate, and even more cautious when choosing an opportunity for their children to be a part of.
How often do people get injured in sport in Australia?
Of all injuries requiring hospitalisation between 2011-2012, only 8% were as a result of sport. Although this is a positive reflection of the culture around safety in sport, this meant that 36,000 people between the ages of 15-35 were hospitalised. Of these 36,000 over 79,000 days were spent in hospital. These statistics are useful, however it is important to highlight the fact many sport injuries do not require hospitalisation, but instead incur hours with your local GP, physiotherapist and chiropractor or sometimes simply some rest!
Which injuries are the most common in Australian sport?
The most common injuries in sport are as follows:
1. Soft tissue –sprains, strains, tears and bruises
2. Fractures and dislocations – bones and teeth
3. Concussion – and associated head injuries
Which sports are the most dangerous?
As most people would guess, sports that require contact through tackles or competing for equipment in close proximity were the most likely to cause injuries including rugby league, rugby union and AFL. However, due to the stringent rules, modifications and changes to the environment in sports there were still less injuries than those in motor sports and other sports such as equestrian. Having a number of rules, policies and changes to the environment helps to teach younger and less experienced players how to play safely and therefore prevent injuries. Of course, accidents happen. Surprisingly, most injuries in sport were due to falls rather than collision.
Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy are fully prepared to work with you through any sporting injury, to get you back on your feet and to return to the game sooner. We know how important sport is, and the benefits it can provide not just for physical health, but for our overall wellbeing. We are equipped with years of experience, extensive qualifications, a wealth of knowledge and a state-of-the-art facility.
Contact the practice for an assessment today on (02) 4721 7798, by emailing info@progressiverehab.com.au or making a booking online, here.
At Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Penrith, we are able to assess, treat, educate and manage all musculoskeletal injuries. We focus on hands-on treatment, exercise prescription and self management techniques tailored to your specific needs. We utilise evidence based treatments to maximise your outcomes.
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Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.
Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.
Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.
As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.
Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024.
Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.
Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).
Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.
Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools.
Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.
Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.
Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.
Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.
Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.
Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.
During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.
Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.