Top 10 Sports Injuries We Treat with Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast

If you are active on the Gold Coast, chances are you have had your fair share of injuries. Whether you are a weekend warrior, a competitive athlete, or simply love your morning run along Burleigh Headland, sports injuries can slow you down. At The Good Joint, our physiotherapy team works with everyone from elite athletes to casual gym goers to get them back to moving at their best.

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to recover from sports injuries, prevent them from coming back, and improve performance. Here are the top 10 sports injuries we treat with physiotherapy on the Gold Coast, along with how our physios help you recover stronger than ever.

1. Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries we see in the clinic, especially among runners, football players, and netballers. A rolled ankle can damage the ligaments and leave you with pain, swelling, and instability. Our physiotherapists use manual therapy to reduce stiffness, prescribe strengthening exercises for the ankle and foot muscles, and work on balance retraining so you can get back to sport with confidence.

2. Hamstring Strains

Hamstring injuries are common in sprinting sports and field athletics. These muscle strains can range from a mild pull to a full tear. Early physiotherapy intervention is key to minimising scar tissue and preventing re-injury. Our physios create tailored rehab programs including soft tissue treatment, progressive loading, and eccentric strength exercises designed to reduce future risk and improve running mechanics.

3. Knee Pain and ACL Injuries

Knee pain can affect anyone from surfers to gym enthusiasts. We regularly treat ACL injuries, meniscus tears, and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Post-surgical rehabilitation is a major focus for our physio team, with structured programs that guide you through every stage of recovery. Using evidence-based protocols, we restore strength, stability, and confidence in your knee, getting you ready to return to sport safely.

4. Shoulder Injuries

From swimmers to CrossFit athletes, shoulder pain is another frequent complaint on the Gold Coast. Rotator cuff injuries, dislocations, and impingement syndromes can all limit overhead movement. Physiotherapy treatment includes joint mobilisation, strengthening of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers, and functional retraining so you can lift, throw, and swim without pain.

5. Lower Back Pain

Back pain is not just a desk-worker problem. Sports that involve rotation, impact, or heavy lifting often trigger lower back pain or disc injuries. Our physios assess movement patterns, relieve muscle tension, and teach core stabilisation techniques. With a focus on sport-specific exercises, we help athletes return to training and competition safely, without fear of flare-ups.

6. Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

Lateral and medial epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, can affect more than just tennis players. Weightlifters, tradies, and anyone using repetitive gripping can develop this painful condition. Our physiotherapists use soft tissue therapy, load management strategies, and gradual strengthening exercises to restore grip strength and eliminate pain.

7. Shin Splints

Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, are common among runners and athletes starting a new training block. Left untreated, they can lead to stress fractures. Physiotherapy treatment focuses on correcting biomechanics, reducing excessive load, and strengthening the calf and foot muscles. We also give advice on footwear, running technique, and training loads to prevent recurrence.

8. Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendon pain is a frustrating injury that can keep runners, footballers, and dancers sidelined for weeks. Our physios use progressive loading programs, shockwave therapy (if needed), and gait retraining to rebuild tendon strength and function. This not only resolves pain but also improves overall athletic performance.

9. Hip and Groin Strains

Groin injuries are common in change-of-direction sports like AFL and soccer. Physiotherapy rehabilitation includes adductor strengthening, core stability exercises, and gradual return-to-play protocols. Our team also screens for hip joint issues like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) that can mimic groin pain, ensuring a thorough and accurate diagnosis.

10. Concussions and Post-Impact Rehab

While not always thought of as a physiotherapy issue, concussion management is a growing area of sports medicine. At The Good Joint, our physiotherapists work alongside our chiropractors and osteopaths to guide patients through graded return-to-play programs. This includes vestibular rehabilitation, balance training, and education for safe return to sport.

Why Choose The Good Joint for Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast

With a team of experienced physiotherapists and a fully integrated allied health clinic, The Good Joint is the go-to destination for sports injury treatment and rehabilitation. Our physiotherapists work closely with chiropractors, osteopaths, myotherapists, and naturopaths to give you complete care under one roof.

We use a combination of hands-on treatment, exercise therapy, and sport-specific conditioning to help you recover faster and stronger. Whether you are coming back from surgery, managing a chronic issue, or preparing for a big event, we tailor your treatment plan to your goals.

Book Your Physiotherapy Appointment Today

If you are struggling with a sports injury, do not wait until it gets worse. Early intervention with physiotherapy is the key to a quick and safe recovery. Book your appointment with The Good Joint today and take the first step toward getting back to the sport you love.

Our clinic is conveniently located near Burleigh Heads and soon to open in Mermaid Beach, making it easy for Gold Coast locals to access expert care. Click below to book online and start your recovery journey today.

Dr Victoria Lohman

Originally from the USA, Victoria's background as an ex-NCAA collegiate volleyball player from Penn State University reflects her deep passion for fitness and sports and the strong sense of community they foster.

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