Thumb injuries are common in high-impact sports like AFL football and netball, where players are frequently catching, passing, tackling, and landing heavily.
At The Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic in Colac, our physiotherapists specialise in diagnosing and treating thumb injuries to help athletes recover quickly and return safely to sport.
Common Thumb Injuries in AFL and Netball
Thumb injuries often result from a sudden impact, awkward fall, or forceful contact with the ball or another player. The most common injuries include:
- Thumb sprains (particularly the ulnar collateral ligament – known as “skier’s thumb”)
- Thumb fractures
- Dislocations
- Ligament tears or avulsions
- Thumb joint instability
These injuries can significantly affect grip strength, ball handling, and overall performance on the field or court.
Signs and Symptoms of a Thumb Injury
If you’ve injured your thumb playing football or netball, you might notice:
- Pain and swelling around the base of the thumb
- Bruising or deformity
- Weak grip strength
- Difficulty catching or passing the ball
- Joint instability or “giving way” of the thumb
It’s important not to ignore these symptoms, as delaying treatment can lead to long-term joint instability and reduced hand function.
Physiotherapy Assessment and Diagnosis
At Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic Colac, our experienced physiotherapists perform a thorough assessment of your thumb, wrist, and hand. This includes:
- Joint mobility testing
- Ligament stability tests
- Grip strength measurements
- Swelling and inflammation checks
In some cases, we may refer you for an X-ray or MRI to confirm a fracture or ligament tear.
Treatment Options for Thumb Injuries
Your treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of the injury. Physiotherapy for thumb injuries may include:
1. Rest and Immobilisation
Mild to moderate sprains may require taping or a splint to support the joint and allow healing. More severe injuries, such as fractures or ligament ruptures, may need a custom brace or referral to a hand specialist.
2. Swelling and Pain Management
We use ice therapy, gentle compression, and soft tissue techniques to reduce swelling and relieve pain in the early stages.
3. Range of Motion Exercises
As pain and swelling settle, we’ll guide you through safe movement exercises to prevent stiffness and maintain thumb flexibility.
4. Strengthening and Grip Retraining
Rebuilding strength is crucial for returning to sport. We use hand therapy tools and progressive grip exercises tailored to the demands of AFL and netball.
5. Sports-Specific Rehabilitation
We simulate passing, catching, and tackling movements to help you transition back to training and competition with confidence.
Taping Advice for Return to Sport and Injury Prevention
At Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic Colac, we provide expert advice on the most appropriate thumb taping techniques to support your return to sport and help prevent recurrent injuries. Proper taping can improve joint stability, reduce strain on healing tissues, and give you the confidence to perform at your best. Our physiotherapists will show you how to apply supportive tape specific to your sport, position, and injury history – and teach you when and how to tape independently for future games.
To learn how to tape check out our video on our website.
Return-to-Play Guidelines
We follow evidence-based return-to-play protocols to ensure you’re not returning too soon and risking reinjury. Our goal is to get you back doing what you love – whether it’s taking a mark, shooting a goal, or intercepting a pass – safely and confidently.
Why Choose Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic in Colac?
- Expert physiotherapists with experience treating AFL and netball players
- Custom treatment plans designed for your sport and position
- Access to hand therapy tools, bracing, and taping support
- Ongoing education and injury prevention strategies
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring elite athlete, we’re here to support your recovery every step of the way.
Book an Appointment Today
If you’ve injured your thumb during football or netball, don’t wait. Early treatment gives the best chance for a full recovery.
Contact Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic in Colac to book your physiotherapy assessment today.