Physiotherapy for sports injuries

Physiotherapy for sports injuries

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Condition

Sports injuries – back to sport safely and strongly

After a sports injury, you want to get back to your sport as quickly and safely as possible. This requires an accurate analysis and rehabilitation based on tissue healing and clear criteria.

We support you from the first examination through the entire rehabilitation to your return to sport – and work preventively so that the injury does not recur.

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Physiotherapy for sports injuries

Scientific evidence

Not every injury needs surgery

Cruciate ligamentRehab first is equally goodIn the KANON trial with 121 young, active adults, early ACL surgery was no better after two and five years than structured rehab with the option of later surgery. Around half managed without surgery.
MeniscusTraining before arthroscopyFor meniscal tears without a clear injury, arthroscopic partial removal was no more effective than sham surgery. Targeted training is the first choice.
PreventionStrength training protectsIn an analysis of 25 studies, strength training reduced sports injuries to less than a third, and overuse injuries were almost halved.

Important: Whether surgery makes sense depends on the injury, the sport and your goals. We advise you on this in consultation with your sports physician or orthopaedic surgeon.

How it works

Rehabilitation in three phases

Phase 1 · AcuteProtect and maintainSettle irritation and swelling, avoid protective movement patterns and maintain function with dosed loading – for example with an adapted gait, mobilisation or isometric exercises. We keep training the unaffected areas.
Phase 2 · Build-upStrength and controlSystematically regain mobility, strength, joint stability and coordination. After an ankle sprain, normal walking is not enough: only when balance, reaction and changes of direction are solid does the risk of re-injury drop.
Phase 3 · Return to sportBased on criteria, not the calendarSport-specific tests, side-to-side comparisons, jump and strength tests and the assessment of technique and fatigue show when you are ready.

Common mistake: Going by pain alone. Little pain does not mean that strength, reactivity and load capacity have been restored – there are several stages between a rehab exercise and competition.

Return-to-sport tests

Indications

We treat

  • Tendons, ligaments, muscles: tears, strains, sprains
  • Bone, cartilage: fractures, bone bruise
  • Joints: impingement, joint locking, instability, capsule injuries
  • Cruciate ligament tears, meniscus and collateral ligament injuries
  • Achilles tendon, ankle sprains
  • Groin strains, shoulder dislocations, SLAP lesions
  • Rotator cuff, tennis and golfer’s elbow
  • Rehabilitation after surgery

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about sports injuries

When can I return to sport?

This is decided by criteria, not weeks: strength compared with the other side, jump and function tests, load capacity and confidence. We test regularly and plan your return step by step.

Should I have surgery after an ACL tear?

That depends on your sport, instability, associated injuries and your goals. Studies show that structured rehab first is a good option for many people. We advise you together with your doctor.

Does stretching prevent injuries?

According to current evidence, stretching alone offers little protection. Strength training and balance or coordination training reduce the risk of injury much more effectively.

Do you work with sports clubs?

Yes, gladly. On request, we coordinate rehab and the return to training with the coaches and medical team of your club.

Sources: Frobell RB et al., N Engl J Med 2010 and BMJ 2013 (KANON trial, ACL) · Sihvonen R et al., N Engl J Med 2013 (meniscus) · Lauersen JB et al., Br J Sports Med 2014 (prevention) · More information: sportfisio.ch

Injured?

We get you back to your sport safely and strongly.

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