Summer Sports Recovery
Posted Thursday, Jan 23, 2025 by Brunswick Chiro. Filed under General
How Our Manual Therapies Keep You Moving at Your Best
As the Australian summer heats up, so does our passion for outdoor sports and activities. Whether you're serving aces on the tennis court, perfecting your cricket shots, or making waves at the local pool, your body is working overtime.
But with increased activity comes the need for proper recovery and care – that's where professional therapeutic support becomes essential.
According to the AusPlay survey, about 19.2 million Australians aged 15 and over (89%) played sport or took part in physical activities in 2021–22 (ASC 2022).
Common Summer Sports Challenges
The summer season brings unique challenges for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- Cricket players often face hamstring strains and lower back issues from repetitive bowling motions.
- Tennis enthusiasts frequently encounter tennis elbow and rotator cuff strain,
- While swimmers might experience shoulder impingement or neck tension.
These conditions, if left untreated, can sideline you from your favourite activities.
How Our Multidisciplinary Team Supports Your Sporting Journey
Preventing Sports Injuries
Remedial Massage & Myotherapy Prevention:
- Deep tissue assessment to identify muscle imbalances
- Targeted soft tissue work to address problem areas before they become injuries
- Postural muscle tension release
- Sports-specific muscle preparation techniques
- Maintenance programs to prevent overuse injuries
- Movement pattern screening and correction
Chiropractic & Osteopathic Prevention:
- Comprehensive spinal and joint assessments
- Biomechanical analysis
- Joint mobility screening
- Functional movement pattern assessment
- Postural correction strategies
- Sport-specific technique evaluation
Treating Active Injuries
Remedial Massage & Myotherapy Treatment:
- Advanced soft tissue techniques for injury management
- Specific trigger point therapy and dry needling
- Sports taping and strapping for support
- Targeted rehabilitation exercises
- Cupping therapy for deep tissue release
- Muscle energy techniques for improved function
- Post-injury scar tissue management
- Enhanced circulation promotion for faster healing
- Customized treatment plans based on injury type and severity
Chiropractic & Osteopathic Treatment:
- Joint mobilization and manipulation
- Spinal adjustments
- Soft tissue techniques (including MET)
- Neural tension management
- Joint decompression
- Cranial techniques
According to the AusPlay survey, the highest rate of reported injury per participant was for the Outdoor team sports category, with about a quarter of participants (26%) injured in 2022.
Enhancing Athletic Performance
Remedial Massage & Myotherapy Performance Benefits:
- Pre-event muscle preparation and activation
- Post-event recovery techniques
- Advanced muscle conditioning and strengthening
- Improved flexibility and range of motion
- Enhanced circulation and muscle function
- Sport-specific movement pattern optimization
- Performance taping techniques
- Reduced muscle fatigue and faster recovery
- Functional exercise prescription for ongoing improvement
Chiropractic & Osteopathic Performance Benefits:
- Improved joint function and mobility
- Enhanced nervous system function
- Better body awareness and coordination
- Optimal spinal mechanics
- Increased flexibility
- Better balance and stability
In 2021–22, Wheeled motor sports, rugby and Australian rules football had the highest injury hospitalisation rates per 100,000 participants (AusPlay survey).
Essential Self-Care Recommendations
To maintain your athletic performance and prevent injuries, consider these valuable self-care strategies:
1. Hydration and Recovery
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activity
- Consider electrolyte replacement during intense sessions
- Allow adequate rest between training sessions
2. Movement and Stretching
- Perform dynamic warm-ups before activity
- Include cool-down stretches post-exercise
- Practice gentle mobility exercises on rest days
3. Listen to Your Body
- Pay attention to early warning signs of strain
- Modify activity levels when needed
- Don't push through sharp or severe pain
4. Regular Maintenance
- Schedule regular massage sessions
- Keep up with prescribed exercises
- Address niggles before they become injuries
For males, the number one cause of hospitalisation was cycling, whereas for females it was equestrian activities (AusPlay survey).
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider booking an appointment if you experience:
- Persistent muscle tension or pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Recovery taking longer than usual
- Decreased performance in your sport
Ready to elevate your summer sports performance and recovery?
Contact Brunswick Chiropractic at (03) 9388 1233 or book online through our website.
Our experienced team is here to help you move better, recover faster, and perform at your best this summer season.