Introduction
Australian Rules Football is one of the most demanding sports on the body. With rapid changes in direction, high-speed running, and frequent collisions, it’s no surprise that AFL players at all levels are prone to injury.
At The Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic in Colac, we provide excellent sports physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and advanced return-to-sport testing using state-of-the-art technology to get you back in the game safely and stronger than ever.
1. Hamstring Strains
What it is: A common soft tissue injury caused by overstretching or tearing the muscles at the back of the thigh—often during sprinting or sudden acceleration.
Symptoms:– Sudden pain in the back of the thigh
– Tightness or weakness
– Swelling or bruising
How we help:Our team focuses on progressive strength loading, running mechanics analysis, and computerised strength testing using the AxIT system and force plates to monitor recovery and guide return-to-play decisions.
This ensures you return with full strength, symmetry, and confidence.
2. Ankle Sprains
What it is: Twisting or rolling the ankle can damage the ligaments that stabilise the joint, especially during tackles, landings, or sudden pivots.
Symptoms:– Pain, swelling and bruising
– Unstable feeling
– Difficulty walking or running
How we help:We combine manual therapy and swelling reduction techniques with tailored strength and stability exercises.
Using AxIT force plate testing, we can assess dynamic balance and power asymmetries, ensuring the ankle is ready for a safe return to sport.
3. ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injuries
What it is: One of the most feared injuries in AFL, often caused by pivoting, sidestepping, or landing awkwardly. It may require surgical reconstruction and a long rehabilitation process.
Symptoms:– A popping sensation in the knee
– Rapid swelling
– Instability or giving way
How we help:
Our physiotherapists Liam Zampatti, Lauren Richards, and Sam Ward have a special interest and experience in ACL rehabilitation.
Our staff are skilled at Diagnosing ACL injuries and can also refer for MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis and determine if there is any other structural damage like meniscus tears or Medial ligament injury.
You will be supported every step of the way with a graduated program. We combine clinical skill with AxIT strength and power testing protocols to make sure that you are ready to progress from one stage to the next safely.
These assessments are used to track progress and meet objective return-to-sport criteria, reducing the risk of re-injury.
4. Shoulder Dislocations
What it is: Occurs when the upper arm bone (The Humerus) is forced out of the shoulder socket, usually due to collision or a fall.
Symptoms:– Severe pain
– Visible deformity
– Weakness or numbness in the arm
How we help:
After relocation of your dislocation (usually at the hospital) and medical clearance, our team focuses on restoring normal movement, rotator cuff strengthening, and a progressive functional strength and movement program. We work with you and your coaches to develop a graduated return to skills training and non contact training. If this goes well and all boxes have been ticked we will progress you to full contact and competitive training.
We use strength profiling with AxIT to ensure side-to-side symmetry and excellent shoulder control and stability before returning to play.
5. Concussions and Vertigo Symptoms
What it is: Concussions are brain injuries caused by blows to the head or body. These injuries can lead to balance issues, dizziness, and cognitive disturbances.
Symptoms:– Headache and dizziness
– Nausea or blurred vision
– Sensitivity to light or noise
How we help:
Manas Moholkar, our Vestibular Physiotherapist, is trained to assess and manage post-concussion symptoms, vertigo, and other vestibular-related impairments. He offers targeted rehabilitation strategies to support brain recovery and a safe, graded return to sport.
Why Athletes Trust The Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic Colac
We offer a high-performance rehab environment for athletes in Colac and the surrounding region.
Our team brings a unique blend of clinical experience and sports performance expertise, backed by cutting-edge technology:
– AxIT computerised strength testing & force plate analysis
– Return-to-sport decision-making based on real data
– Expertise in ACL rehab, hamstring strains, and shoulder injuries
– Specialist management of concussion and vestibular symptoms
– Individualised strength & conditioning programs for athletes
Whether you’re playing local footy or aiming for elite levels, we’re here to help you recover stronger and smarter.