Netball Injury Treatment & Recovery in Colac: Your Guide to Rehabilitation with The Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic

By Lauren Richards, Physiotherapisty

Netball is a popular and fast-paced sport in the Colac and District Football Netball League (CDFNL), attracting athletes of all ages and skill levels. However, injuries are part of the game. Whether you’ve sustained an ankle sprain, knee injury (such as an ACL injury or patellofemoral pain), shoulder injury, or back pain, effective treatment and recovery are essential for a safe return to play.

At The Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic Colac, our experienced physiotherapists guide you through every stage of recovery using evidence-based methods and comprehensive treatment plans. Below, we break down the three phases of injury recovery to ensure the best possible outcomes for your return to netball.

Phase 1: Diagnosis and Acute Management – Pain and Swelling Control

DIAGNOSIS

Our Physiotherapists are able to see you without a Doctor’s referral and can arrange Xrays and even MRI scans if necessary. Physiotherapists have the advanced clinical skills to be able to do a thorough assessment and provide you with a Diagnosis and then a Management Rehabilitation Plan to have you back on the court as soon as possible.

ACUTE MANAGEMENT

The first phase of recovery begins immediately after an injury occurs. This phase focuses on managing pain and controlling swelling to minimize the impact of the injury and lay the groundwork for a quicker recovery.

• Rest: It’s essential to allow the injured area time to heal without further strain.
  
• Ice and Compression: Applying ice and compression can help reduce swelling and pain.
  
• Elevation: Elevating the injured limb can also help reduce swelling.
  
• Protection: Our physiotherapists will guide you on the proper use of support equipment like braces or wraps to prevent further damage during the initial stages of recovery.
  

Effective acute management can help to control the immediate effects of an injury, setting you up for a smoother transition to the next phase of rehabilitation.

Phase 2: Restoration of Movement & Strength and Conditioning

Once the acute phase has passed, the next step is restoring movement and building strength. This phase is critical for ensuring that you regain full function in the injured area and are prepared for more dynamic movements associated with netball.

• Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Restoring full joint movement is key for preventing stiffness and improving functionality.
  
• Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles around the injured area help provide support and reduce the risk of re-injury.
  
• Conditioning: In this phase, we begin sport-specific conditioning to simulate the movements required for netball, focusing on agility, stability, and strength.
  

Our physiotherapists at The Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic Colac will tailor this phase to your injury and ensure you’re progressing steadily while maintaining safety during the rehabilitation process.

Phase 3: Sport-Specific Rehabilitation & Return to Play Testing

In the final phase, our focus shifts to sport-specific rehabilitation and ensuring that you’re ready to return to the court with confidence. This phase not only prepares you physically but also focuses on injury prevention to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• Sport-Specific Drills: We will reintroduce movements and drills similar to those required in netball, such as quick direction changes, jumping, and landing mechanics.
  
• Return to Play Testing: Our clinic utilizes AxIT computerised strength testing and force plates to assess your strength, agility, and readiness for sport. This technology helps us gauge whether you are fully recovered and ready for the demands of netball.
  
• Prevention of Recurrence: We’ll focus on exercises that ensure you can return to performance while minimising the risk of future injuries. Stability, coordination, and flexibility will be key areas of emphasis.

Why Choose The Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic Colac?

Our experienced physiotherapists are well-versed in managing netball injuries across all levels of play. We use a holistic approach to rehabilitation, ensuring that our treatment not only addresses the injury but also optimizes your overall performance. Whether you’re dealing with an ankle sprain, knee injury, shoulder injury, or back pain, we are here to help you return to netball stronger and more resilient than before.