Spine Plus Blog
Sports Injury Treatment
Published: 17 October 2016

Sports injuries are among the most common reasons people seek treatment at Spine Plus. Whether you're a professional athlete or a weekend runner, the principles of effective sports injury treatment are the same: accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and a structured return to activity.
Hamstring Strain
One of the most common football injuries. The hamstrings, the tendons at the back of the thigh, sustain strain under sudden explosive loading. Symptoms include pain at the back of the thigh, and in severe cases bruising and swelling. Immediate treatment: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Physiotherapy and sports massage accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury, which is high without proper rehabilitation. Warming up thoroughly before exercise, with gentle stretching, is the simplest way to protect the hamstring from strain in the first place.
Shin Splints
A general term for various shin-area problems including strained muscles, stress fractures, and overpronation. Common in runners and dancers, particularly when increasing training intensity or running on unfamiliar terrain. Home treatment includes rest, ice, and compression. Professional physiotherapy identifies whether the cause is muscular, bony, or biomechanical, tailoring rehabilitation accordingly. Switching to footwear that's more supportive and better cushioned also helps reduce the risk of recurrence.
Ankle Sprains
Sudden twisting can stretch or tear ankle ligaments. Immediate treatment: rest, ice, bracing, and elevation. Professional rehabilitation ensures proper ligament healing and restores proprioception (positional awareness), which is often impaired after sprains and increases the risk of recurrence if not addressed.
Knee Injuries
From minor twists to ligament tears, knee injuries require careful assessment to identify the specific structure involved. For most non-surgical presentations, physiotherapy with progressive loading and strengthening is the most effective approach. Early intervention prevents compensatory patterns that can lead to secondary problems.
Groin Pull
Adductor muscle strains occur from sprinting or awkward kicking. Treatment includes ice, neoprene support, rest, and graduated stretching. Sports massage releases tension in the adductor group and improves blood flow to speed recovery.
Treating Sports Injuries at Spine Plus
Whether it's a torn muscle, ligament damage, a pulled muscle, or any of the symptoms covered above, our team can help. We offer sports massage therapy and physiotherapy at our London clinics. Our friendly, knowledgeable physiotherapists will talk you through their assessment and provide expert care and rehabilitation.
Call us on 020 8506 1000 or book online to arrange an appointment.





