Common Sports Injuries: Treatment Approaches That Work

Emelie, our sports therapist, shares how sports therapy can help with common injuries - from muscle strains and tendon pain to lower back and shoulder issues - and why early treatment can make all the difference.

By Emelie Fitzgerald, Sports Massage Therapist

In Short

If you're an active person - whether you're training for a marathon, playing weekend football, or just hitting the gym regularly - you've probably experienced some kind of sports injury. The good news? Many of these injuries don't have to sideline you for long if you get the right treatment early. By tailoring treatment to your body and your goals, it supports a safer, more effective recovery and helps reduce the risk of future injuries.

The Most Common Sports Injuries

The injuries I see most often in my practice fall into a few categories: muscle strains, tendonitis, shoulder impingement, and lower back pain. Strains happen when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn, usually from sudden movements or overuse. Tendinopathies - inflammation of the tendons - are common in athletes who repeat the same motion constantly. Shoulder problems often develop from overhead movements, while lower back pain typically stems from poor form, weak core muscles, or muscular imbalances. Common tendinopathies include tendinitis, tendinosis, and tenosynovitis.

What these injuries have in common is that they're often the result of tight, overworked muscles and restricted movement patterns. That's where a multimodal treatment approach really shines.

My Treatment Approach

When someone comes to me with a sports injury, I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, I combine several techniques tailored to what's actually going on in your body.

Sports Therapy & Massage

I start with a thorough assessment to understand your injury, your training history, and your movement patterns. From there, targeted massage techniques help release tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. I focus on the affected area as well as surrounding muscles that may be compensating for the injury. This isn't just about feeling good in the moment - it's about addressing the root cause.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping is brilliant for bringing fresh blood to areas that are tight and congested. The suction helps loosen fascia (the connective tissue around your muscles) and promotes healing. I often use it alongside massage for muscle strains and tension that just won't budge. It can feel unusual if you've never tried it, but most people notice real relief within a session or two.

Dry Needling

Dry needling targets trigger points - those painful knots in your muscles that restrict movement and cause referred pain. I use fine needles to stimulate these points, which helps release the tension and restores normal muscle function. It's particularly effective for persistent muscle pain and can give you significant relief even after just a few sessions. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western anatomy and physiology, and it works directly on the muscular system.

Getting Back to What You Love

The goal of treatment isn't just pain relief - it's getting you back to training, competing, or simply moving without discomfort. That's why I always include guidance on stretching, strengthening exercises, and how to modify your training as you heal.

Most sports injuries respond well to this combined approach within 2-4 weeks, depending on severity. The key is addressing it early and working with someone who understands both the injury and your athletic goals.

If you're dealing with a sports injury, don't just push through it or rest passively and hope it goes away. Let's work together to get you back to your best.

Ready to get your injury sorted? Book a consultation to discuss which approach will work best for your specific situation.

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