Sports Physiotherapy

Common Sports Injuries We Treat

Sports injuries aren’t all dramatic tumbles or high-impact collisions. Sometimes it’s the gradual wear, the overuse, or the one-rep-too-many that does it. At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, we treat a wide range of sports injuries with targeted rehabilitation that fits both your goals and your game.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears

ACL injuries are common in sports involving pivoting, jumping, or sudden directional change. They often cause a popping sound at the moment of injury, followed by swelling, instability, and difficulty weight-bearing. Rehabilitation involves structured strength and neuromuscular training, joint control work, and return-to-sport progressions. 

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Painful overhead movements or weakness with lifting can signal an issue in the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder. Common in swimming, tennis, and weightlifting, treatment includes manual therapy, progressive loading, and movement retraining to restore strength without aggravating the joint.

Hamstring Strains

Hamstring injuries range from a light pull to a significant tear, often occurring during sprinting or kicking sports. Treatment is guided by the grade of the injury and includes progressive strength work, flexibility training, and a graded return-to-sport programme tailored to your specific activity demands.

Shin Splints

Shin splints are a frequent complaint among runners and athletes who suddenly increase training intensity. They present as dull, aching pain along the inner edge of the shin. We manage them through load adjustment, strengthening of lower limb structures, movement analysis, and advice on footwear or training surfaces.

Achilles Tendinopathy

This condition tends to creep in with repeated strain on the Achilles tendon, especially in running and jumping sports. Pain typically worsens after activity and may feel stiff in the morning. Our sports physios use progressive loading, eccentric strengthening, and biomechanical corrections to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

Despite the names, these tendon injuries are common in anyone doing repetitive gripping, lifting, or desk work. Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow targets the inside. Both cause pain, reduced strength, and irritation with everyday tasks. At Cairnhill, treatment focuses on easing the strain with hands-on therapy, tendon loading exercises, and activity adjustments.